By Gavin McInally
The Paisley Daily Express
EDINBURGH, Scotland — A paramedic who was sacked after getting high on painkilling gas while he was on duty has been given a twoyear caution by health chiefs. Brian Miller, from Howwood, was found guilty of getting high on Entonox — a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen which is used by mums during labour.
He was sacked by the Scottish Ambulance Service following the allegations, which included buzzing the gas on Christmas Day.
Mr Miller faced being struck off by the Health Professions Council (HPC) at a Conduct and Competence Committee hearing in Edinburgh.
But, after hearing evidence of Mr Miller’s “excellent” appraisals before the incidents and his desire to work as a paramedic, officials imposed a twoyear caution on his record.
It means current or future employers must be informed of Mr Miller’s misconduct while on duty.
A spokesman for the HPC said: “The panel find that the allegations proven against the registrant relate to a course of conduct and not an isolated incident.
“The registrant was on duty at the time of the admitted incidents. As the registrant accepted in his evidence, his actions had placed patients at risk.
“His reaction times following taking Entonox could have been impaired and he would not have been fit to drive or to attend to a patient should an emergency call be received.
“In addition, his actions had the potential to deprive patients of supplies.
“The panel believe there may be a risk of recurrence if the registrant is again placed under significant pressure at work and has decided that a caution order for a period of two years is the appropriate sanction in all the circumstances of this case.”
The spokesman added that the HPC is satisfied that Mr Miller has recognised the seriousness of his misconduct.
He continued: “Mr Miller has shown insight into his actions and remorse.
“In his evidence to the panel, the registrant spoke of his embarrassment and disgust at his behaviour and at the position this potentially placed service users and colleagues in.
“The registrant has largely complied with earlier conditions which were placed on his registration. He has told the panel that he is positive and looking forward.
“In the circumstances, the panel are satisfied that a caution order for a period of two years is a sufficient sanction to protect the public, maintain the reputation of the profession and maintain public confidence in the regulation of the profession.”
Mr Miller was not available for comment.