A crowdfunding campaign launched to support two suspended Jersey paramedics, Tom Le Sauteur and John Sutherland, has raised over £43,000, far surpassing its original £20,000 target. The two paramedics were found guilty in June for not providing adequate care to a man, Frazer Irvine, who died following a drug overdose.
The campaign was created by individuals unhappy with the court’s verdict, seeking to assist the paramedics with legal fees and other expenses. Sutherland and Le Sauteur responded to a 999 call from 39-year-old Irvine, who had suffered a cardiac arrest from the overdose. However, during their visit, the paramedics felt threatened by Irvine’s behavior and withdrew to call for police backup. Unfortunately, Irvine died shortly after.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that the delay in seeking police assistance and failure to take proper protective measures caused the paramedics to “fail to take reasonable care” of Irvine’s health and safety.
As of now, both Sutherland and Le Sauteur remain suspended from their duties, and their supporters are hopeful for an appeal of the conviction. The Jersey Ambulance Service issued an apology to Irvine’s family after the verdict, reiterating its commitment to the “highest standards” of care and support for its dedicated staff.
