Investigation launched by London Ambulance Service into alleged exam cheating

London Ambulance Service NHS Trust (LAS) has had to suspend its paramedic final examinations following claims by an anonymous whistle blower that student paramedics had access to their final papers.

An external investigation has been launched that will look into the allegations that students going through the Trust’s in-house training programme between 2008 and 2012 had access to exam papers.

850 students went through the training programme during the four years but it is unclear as to the number who had access to the papers or how they may have gained access to them.

Ann Radmore, chief executive of LAS, said:

‘I was shocked and disappointed to hear this anonymous allegation and will not tolerate any form of cheating.

‘I am committed to sharing the findings of this independent investigation and being transparent throughout.’

It is unclear how long the investigation will take but it is thought the suspension of exams may cause a short delay in paramedics qualifying.

The external investigation will be led by Simon Brown, assistant medical director, north, for South Central Ambulance Service Trust, and chair of the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee Guidelines Subcommittee.

Taken from Journal of Paramedic Practice, published 2 June 2014.