TWO paramedics say they have been “humbled” by the support they have received since being found guilty of failing to provide reasonable care to a patient.
Many Islanders have backed John Sutherland and Tom Le Sauteur since the pair’s Royal Court conviction last Wednesday, while clinicians have expressed concern about the implications of the verdict.
Following an eight-day trial, Sutherland and Le Sauteur were found guilty by Jurats of breaching health and safety laws during their response to a man who called an ambulance after taking a drug overdose.
The patient became aggressive and later died of cardiac and respiratory arrest.
The Jurats found that there was an unreasonable delay in providing care to the man on the night.
In a short statement, the two paramedics said they were currently unable to discuss details about the conviction or their next move, but thanked those who had supported them.
“We are incredibly moved and humbled by the support of fellow frontline workers, family, friends and the public,” they said. “It is a testament to the incredible character of our island community that it has been our honour to serve.”
The JEP understands that the men will be seeking advice from their legal representatives and trade union officials before making any decision about whether they will appeal against the verdict.
On Friday, a group of around 200 people gathered at the Ambulance Station in Rouge Bouillon to show their support for Sutherland and Le Sauteur.
Those present included other employees from the Island’s emergency services, Hospital staff, GPs and care workers.
Some clinicians have expressed fears that the verdict creates a dangerous precedent that will leave paramedics and other first responders feeling they cannot proceed with care until police officers are in attendance, potentially causing delays and putting lives at risk.
Both paramedics have been suspended from service since March 2022, with their suspensions continuing while an internal investigation is carried out.
