[UK] Paramedics dumped dead body next to bins – because their shift had ended
By Harry Readhead From Metro UK
An ambulance team has been branded ‘inhumane’ after dumping a dead body next to a set of rubbish bins – so they could finish work on time.
A crew was dispatched from Downham Market, Cambridgeshire, at 5.13am after plumber James Harrison was found outside Littleport fire station 12 miles away.
But rather than take the 32-year-old’s body 22 miles to the mortuary at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, paramedics opted for the six-mile journey to Ely ambulance station – where they dumped the body on the floor next to some bins.
‘I can’t believe people whose job it is to care for other people could be so cold about leaving someone’s body somewhere,’ a member of Mr Harrison’s family, who asked not to be named, told MailOnline.
‘What happened is unbelievable. I was disgusted.’
Last night, politicians and members of the public expressed their disgust at the pair’s actions on the 24 September, and demanded disciplinary action.
Tory MP Peter Bone said he hoped it was ‘an appalling one-off’ incident while fellow MP Stephen Barclay said their behaviour was ‘outrageous’.
‘I would hope that the appropriate measures are taken against the individuals who made such an inhumane decision at such a sensitive time,’ said Kathryn Murphy of the Patients Association.
Police and forensic experts spent three days at the spot where Mr Harrison collapsed before a post-mortem examination found no evidence of suspicious circumstances.
East of England Ambulance Service chief executive Dr Anthony Marsh has issued an apology for Mr Harrison’s treatment.
IMAGES:
Paramedics opted to take a shorter journey to Ely Ambulance Station, where they dumped the body on the floor next to some bins (Picture: Google)
Mr Harrison’s body was found outside Littleport Fire Station 22 miles from the mortuary – which would mean paramedics would have to work after their shift ended (Picture: Google)
For more on this story go to: http://metro.co.uk/2014/10/18/paramedics-dumped-dead-body-next-to-bins-because-their-shift-had-ended-4910589/
