By EMS1 Staff
LONDON — Police are investigating a “fake” paramedic who may have treated more than 100 patients.
The Evening Standard reported that the man, who was a trainee member of the London Ambulance Service, was fired for allegedly “going rogue” over the course of a two-week period after he failed his paramedic exams.
Police said the man’s “unauthorized actions” included responding to calls and discharging patients instead of transporting them to the hospital.
Officials said the 21-year-old man was questioned on suspicion of fraud and other offenses, such as unlawful physical contact with patients and the unlawful use of emergency vehicles.
“The 21-year-old was arrested on suspicion of fraud, burglary, theft by employee, assault by beating, dangerous driving, driving otherwise in accordance of license, and driving without insurance,” police said in a statement. “He was taken into custody at a south London police station and later released under investigation. Inquiries are ongoing.”
The London Ambulance Patients’ Forum said it was “shocked” by the allegations.
“If these allegations are true, a fake paramedic could easily have been responsible for serious harm to a patient,” LAPF Chairman Malcolm Alexander said. “It is now essential that the London Ambulance Service demonstrates it is 100 percent certain that it can never happen again.”
A spokesperson for LAS said an internal investigation was launched and “security, systems and processes” were improved.