A firefighter says he and colleagues are horrified a paramedic accused of making inappropriate comments at the scene of a fatal Fife crash has not been suspended.
The serving Fife fireman says he has been forced to attend the same emergency scenes as the paramedic, who is being investigated for his conduct at a two-car collision earlier this year.
Lisa Scott, 26, from Perth, died in the crash on the A914 in Pickletillum, near Drumoig, on September 26.
The Courier later revealed a paramedic who attended the scene is being investigated in relation to comments made while working.
Now the firefighter has hit out at the alleged comments and the decision not to suspend the paramedic while the investigation is ongoing.
It is understood the first complaint was made to senior members of staff at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The firefighter, who asked not to be named, said: “His comments were foul-mouthed and wholly inappropriate, particularly coming from a trained emergency paramedic who should be professional at all times.
“Firefighters are now horrified to discover this person is still attending incidents and they are having to work alongside him.”
Breakdown in relationship between ambulance and fire staff
He added: “This is leading to a break-down in relationships between ambulance and fire personnel.
“While remaining 100% committed at all times to dealing with whatever incident we are sent to, there is disgust among firefighters that they should have to work with this person at emergency incidents.”
The firefighter said colleagues had met the paramedic at several recent incidents, including at major fires in Leven and Blairgowrie.
He added: “I think most people recognise there can be a black humour among those who attend distressing emergency situations.
“This helps them get through what they are having to cope with and builds camaraderie and relationships and allows people to go home and live normal lives.
Paramedic ‘crossed the line’ at scene of Fife crash
“However, there is a definite line and what this person said that day very definitely crossed that line.
“There is revulsion that he hasn’t been suspended pending the investigation and that people are having to continue to work alongside him at major and serious incidents.
“It’s a major kick in the teeth to those of use who are continuing to work to see him still being allowed to wear the uniform and represent the emergency services.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We do not comment on individual cases.
“An investigation is ongoing and all our employees are managed strictly in line with SAS values and workforce policies.”
SFRS said complaints are treated confidentially.
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