An investigation has been launched into claims that paramedics studying to work with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) were given advance access to final exam papers.
The claims, made by an anonymous whistleblower, relate to around 850 students between 2008 and 2012.
Ambulance bosses insist patient safety was never compromised because paramedics are routinely assessed “throughout their career”.
London Ambulance’s Chief Executive, Ann Radmore, said she was shocked at the allegations and “will not tolerate any form of cheating”.
All final examinations have been suspended pending the outcome of an “independent and forensic investigation” commissioned by LAS.
The investigation will be led by Simon Brown, assistant medical director at South Central Ambulance Service Trust and chair of the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee guidelines subcommittee.
Radmore said she was “committed to sharing the findings of this independent investigation and being transparent throughout.”
She added: “The great majority of our staff are not implicated in this allegation and are continuing to provide a good service to Londoners.
“We know that we have very low numbers of complaints. We respond to over 1.1m incidents a year and of these only 0.0008 per cent results in a complaint. However, we must still ensure that all of our staff have the full and proper qualifications for their role.
“We must now let the independent investigation take its course: we don’t want to speculate or prejudice the outcome.”
