Paramedic struck off for groping female 999 call handlers 

A "predatory" paramedic has been struck off for repeatedly groping younger female colleagues while they answered 999 calls.

Alan Campbell left the junior staff members feeling unable to protest as they were talking to people "whose lives were in the balance", a disciplinary panel heard today.

He was found guilty of harassing eight colleagues while he worked for the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) after some complained he squeezed their breasts, bottoms and legs.

On one occasion, Campbell, who helped operators answering live 999 calls, exposed himself to a female colleague, asking her to kiss his penis, a Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service panel was told.

He resigned in August 2018 after a formal investigation was undertaken by his employer in relation to the sexual harassment allegations.

The tribunal heard that an initial complaint was made against him that year, which led to a further seven colleagues coming forward during the course of the investigation.

Those targeted during emergency calls told of how difficult it was to complain while they were dealing with distressed members of the public.

"When you are on an emergency call, you are talking to someone who is in crisis so you cannot suddenly shriek out or do anything," one female worker said.

"You must continue with the call in a professional and self-controlled manner... you have got people's lives hanging in the balance on the phone."

Campbell, who faced more than 30 allegations of inappropriate behaviour, did not attend the disciplinary hearing in London where the panel found him guilty of misconduct and struck him off.

He has denied any inappropriate behaviour he has been accused of.

A spokesperson for WMAS said it welcomed the outcome of the hearing, adding: "Cases of assault or harassment are completely abhorrent; where allegations are made, the Trust will investigate swiftly and take whatever appropriate action is needed to protect staff and the public."