This article contains language and content some readers may find distressing.
Sexual abuse represents a profound betrayal of trust, particularly when committed by those in positions of care and authority, such as paramedics. To most, paramedics are heroes, the people we turn to in our most vulnerable moments. However, a series of disturbing cases have come to light, revealing sexual abuse and harassment within the ambulance services. These cases, while not reflective of the entire profession, expose critical problems that need to be addressed to ensure patient safety and restore public trust in emergency response teams.
As a single mother, Lucy* treasured her rare opportunities to go out. A few years ago, she went for after-work drinks, an evening that would turn horrific. Feeling unwell, she collapsed and passed out, later discovering her drink had been spiked. A bouncer, seeing her condition, called for an ambulance. Two paramedics—a man and a woman—arrived, and Lucy was strapped to a stretcher. But as they headed to hospital, the female paramedic saw something unimaginable through her rear-view mirror: her male colleague was sexually assaulting Lucy, who was unconscious and utterly defenceless.
When Lucy regained consciousness, she was told what had happened. Although the male paramedic denied the charges and was acquitted in court, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) later struck him off their register, identifying him as a “serious threat to patient safety.” Lucy remains haunted by the violation, unable to shake her sense of betrayal and mistrust. “It’s awful, you feel so violated and vulnerable,” she says. Her experience, while horrifying, is not unique, but rather part of a broader, disturbing trend uncovered by a year-long Sky News investigation.
A Culture of Sexual Misconduct
Sky News’ investigation revealed numerous accounts of sexual abuse and harassment within ambulance services, pointing to a culture in which inappropriate behaviour is too often excused or dismissed. Multiple paramedics and former employees recounted hearing colleagues make sexually inappropriate comments about female patients, including graphic descriptions and offensive remarks. One former paramedic shared how some colleagues used the term “totally unnecessary breast examinations” (TUBEs), joking about performing these on young, intoxicated women. In another trust, a term called “jazz hands” was used to refer to intentional or accidental breast-touching of female patients.
Another paramedic recounted male colleagues making openly sexualised remarks about patients, saying things like “she had nice tits” or commenting on breast implants, while bragging about obtaining patients’ numbers or “getting a good feel.” These offhand remarks reveal a distressing pattern of objectifying patients and disregarding their dignity.
This culture of sexualisation and inappropriate conduct has impacted not only patients but also female colleagues. Women working within the ambulance services have reported sexual harassment from male coworkers and supervisors. Ellie*, for example, was a young call handler who enjoyed her job—until she became the target of sexual advances from her manager. He invited her to a conference under the guise of professional development, only to make inappropriate advances, touching her thigh and sending explicit messages. When Ellie reported her concerns to HR, she was advised to relocate to another office rather than seeing action taken against her manager. He stayed in his position, leaving Ellie feeling betrayed and unsupported.
Systemic Failures and Accountability
Cases of sexual misconduct among paramedics, though rare, reveal significant systemic issues in how complaints are handled within ambulance services and healthcare professions. The HCPC regulates paramedics in the UK, and their data shows that while paramedics make up only 11% of the HCPC registry, they accounted for 64% of all investigations into sexual harassment allegations in 2023. Furthermore, one in five of these cases involved complaints from patients or members of the public. The HCPC chair, Christine Elliott, expressed concern that these cases might represent just the “tip of the iceberg,” suggesting that many incidents go unreported.
Elliott stressed the importance of prioritising patient safety alongside other healthcare concerns, such as reducing waiting times. According to her, patients need assurance that they can trust the professionals treating them, both in skill and conduct.
Jason Killens, head of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) and the Welsh Ambulance Service, has acknowledged the failings of the ambulance services, admitting that they have “let victims down.” Killens emphasised that while disciplinary actions are increasing, lasting change will require a cultural shift. He highlighted the importance of addressing not only severe misconduct but also lower-level, inappropriate behaviours that could lead to more serious offences if left unchecked.
Impact on Victims and Efforts for Reform
For victims like Lucy and Ellie, the impact of these experiences is profound. Their trust in emergency services has been shaken. Lucy, for example, has expressed doubt about ever calling an ambulance in the future, fearing a repeat of her trauma. This lack of trust undermines the core purpose of ambulance services and creates a barrier to care for those who may already be in urgent need.
Additionally, many victims and whistleblowers express frustration over the slow pace and limited scope of investigations. On average, the HCPC takes three years to complete misconduct investigations, a timeline that Elliott herself acknowledges is unsatisfactory. She noted that the HCPC is implementing reforms to speed up the process and is lobbying for legislative changes to support faster resolutions.
In response to these revelations, the HCPC has also launched a “sexual safety hub” to provide resources for victims and witnesses of inappropriate behaviour. The aim is to encourage more reporting and to foster a safer, more supportive environment for those affected by misconduct.
Despite assurances from the HCPC and AACE, many victims feel justice has yet to be achieved. They are left disillusioned with an accountability system that they believe allows perpetrators to escape punishment, often due to procedural delays or a lack of decisive action from human resources departments.
A Call for Cultural Change
Addressing such a pervasive issue requires a sweeping cultural change within ambulance services. Both Elliott and Killens agree that leadership must prioritise eradicating inappropriate behaviour and fostering an environment of respect and integrity. This may involve strengthening training and induction programmes to highlight the importance of patient dignity and professional ethics, alongside strict disciplinary measures for those who breach these standards.
In response to these issues, ambulance services are implementing steps to improve workplace culture. NHS England has introduced national guidance and training aimed at addressing sexual misconduct, with a zero-tolerance policy on abusive or violent behaviour. This guidance includes training to help staff recognise, report, and address inappropriate behaviour, in the hope of creating a safer workplace for all.
Moving Forward
The accounts shared by Lucy, Ellie, and other whistleblowers serve as painful reminders of the urgent need for reform within emergency medical services. While the vast majority of paramedics and healthcare professionals are dedicated, ethical individuals, the prevalence of these distressing cases highlights the importance of identifying and removing those who violate their position of trust. The work of regulatory bodies and ambulance leadership in implementing structural and cultural changes is essential. However, for victims, justice feels incomplete until concrete, visible changes are made.
For victims of such abuses, tangible reforms offer some solace, though the psychological scars of these violations may never fully heal. Until a new culture takes root, the trauma of these incidents remains a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the critical need for robust accountability in positions of trust.
If you or someone you know has been affected by similar experiences, support is available. In the UK, you can reach out to Samaritans at 116 123, or via email at [email protected]. In the United States, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
*Names have been changed.
