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A fundraiser launched in support of two paramedics convicted of failing to provide “reasonable care” to a patient who later died has raised over £16,000 in less than 48 hours.
John Sutherland and Tom Le Sauteur were last week found guilty by Jurats in the Royal Court of a health and safety breach in relation to their response to a 39-year-old man who had called an ambulance after taking a drug overdose.
Having become aggressive and saying he did not want help from the paramedics, the man later died of cardiac and respiratory arrest while he was in their care.
The Jurats found that delays in delivering care on the night were "unreasonable".
Pictured: Tom Le Sauteur (36) and John Sutherland (60) had both denied the charge of breaching health and safety rules.
A fundraiser was this week launched to "help Tom and John fight these charges, assist with the financial burden of the ongoing legal fees, and help recoup their financial losses".
Over £16,000 has been raised in less than 48 hours.
Chloe Wallser, who set up the online fundraising page, said that the verdict "exposes a troubling reality".
"Paramedics risk their lives for our safety, yet they lack adequate support and protection when faced with difficult choices," she said.
Speaking to Express yesterday, Miss Wallser added: "Tom and John have a whole island of support behind them and this was the best way I could think of to hopefully try and make a tangible difference and help lighten what I can only imagine is an unbearable load."
Pictured: More than 150 people gathered outside Jersey’s Ambulance Headquarters on Friday in support of Sutherland and Le Sauteur.
Islanders have shared messages of support on the fundraising page alongside their donations.
Lesley wrote: "Shocking verdict will leave all paramedics doubting every decision!"
Adam and Tiffany said: "Hope this helps get real justice and get back to doing what you do best. We love you."
"Good luck chaps, keep on doing your fabulous work and sorry you have to go through this ordeal," wrote Angie.
Mark and Sarah added: "These guys deserve everyone's support in undertaking a highly stressful and sometimes dangerous job."
Both Sutherland, a former acting chief ambulance officer with more than 35 years’ experience, and Le Sauteur have been suspended from service since 23 March 2022, with their suspensions due to continue while an internal investigation is carried out.
No date has been set for the two men to be sentenced.
More than 150 people gathered outside Jersey’s Ambulance Headquarters last week in support of the two members of staff.
You can donate to the fundraiser HERE.
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