Suspended paramedics supported by 150 supporters

More than 150 people gathered outside Jersey Ambulance Service HQ to support two suspended workers.

Paramedic John Sutherland and technician Tom Le Sauteur went to the home of 39-year-old Frazer Irvine after he called 999 and suffered a cardiac arrest following a drugs overdose.

Jersey Crown Court heard evidence that the couple felt threatened by Mr Irvine’s behaviour and withdrew to call the police. Mr Irvine later died.

The prosecution said further delays in clearing officers and donning protective clothing meant paramedics “failed to take proper care of Mr Irvine’s health and safety”.

Demonstrators from various departments of the hospital, as well as the lifeboat crew and other emergency workers, cheered and applauded as the ambulances left the station.

One of them, Kirsty Ross, a senior doctor in the emergency department at Jersey Hospital, said a dangerous precedent had been set.

She added that the show of solidarity was spontaneous after an announcement of support on social media.

“We should support zero tolerance, but clearly we support it with some caveats, and paramedics have every right to look after their own safety as well as the safety of their patients,” she said.

“We want recognition that emergency workers can make these decisions without fear of them ending up in court.”

Mr Sutherland and Mr Le Sauteur remain suspended from their duties. Their supporters hope they will be able to appeal the verdicts.

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