Two emergency ambulance medics have been arrested for manslaughter over the deaths of at least six patients.
It’s understood a paramedic and an emergency care assistant (ECA), who were based out of Trowbridge Ambulance Station, are under investigation by Wiltshire Police.
The paramedic, a man aged in his 30s and from Warminster, was arrested on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker back in June 2024.
The ECA, a 59-year-old woman, was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in March this year.
In a confidential internal email, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) told staff that the probe “follows a concern raised by the Trust to Wiltshire Police”.
Adding that it led to the “immediate suspension of one member of staff, and their subsequent dismissal” – followed by “the suspension of a second member of staff”.
The email confirmed that “the suspension of the two members of staff meant that they were immediately relieved of all duties, including the treatment of patients.”
Wiltshire Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team are leading the investigation. Wiltshire 999s understands that dozens of members of staff have been interviewed by detectives.
The force said that the probe was launched in 2023 and relates to adult patients.
DCI Phil Walker said: “We have arrested a man in his 30s from West Wiltshire on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker.
“In addition, we have arrested a 59-year-old woman on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
“Both have been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.”
A spokesperson for SWAST said: “As soon as the Trust became aware of any concerns, we immediately initiated an internal investigation which resulted in a prompt police referral, and we have been working closely with them as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Two members of staff were suspended. The suspension of the two members of staff meant that they were immediately relieved of all duties, including the treatment of patients.
“We would like to reassure people that this is an isolated situation and there is no on-going risk to patients. Please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
“One of the two individuals that were initially suspended, is no longer employed by the Trust.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this stage.”
