Locked in the back of an ambulance and sexually assaulted: Female paramedics reveal ‘toxic culture’ of harassment
Warning – contains graphic details of sexual assault, self-harm and suicide.
The first time she was groped at work, Freya says she was 24 years old, a newly qualified paramedic, and was cleaning out the cupboards of the ambulance station crew room.
“He came behind me without me realising. I was cleaning away, and he put his hands around my body and grabbed my breasts,” said Freya, which is not her real name.
“Then he said, ‘Well, I won’t bother doing that again’.
“People just laughed, some didn’t even look up from the TV. Like it was nothing, completely normal.”
Her story mirrors that of other current and former paramedics who, in several interviews with Sky News, painted a picture of widespread sexual harassment and a toxic culture of misogyny.
The head of the College of Paramedics, Tracy Nicholls, said: “Problems exist in every [NHS] trust, across all four countries in the United Kingdom.”
NHS England told Sky News that any form of sexual misconduct was “completely unacceptable” and every trust had committed to an action plan to improve sexual safety.
Chief executive of the College of Paramedics Tracy Nicholls
‘I had the career I loved stolen from me’
Freya said she put up with jokes and comments for more than a decade – until one day she was locked in the back of an ambulance and sexually assaulted by a senior colleague.
“He just put his hand straight down my top. I was like, in shock. I couldn’t move. I didn’t know how to react. I just froze, absolutely froze,” she said.
“If that wasn’t enough, he then took my breast out. I remember him sucking on my nipple.
“Then, he took out his pen… and he drew a smiley face above and below my nipple.
“I remember going into a station immediately when we got back, and I washed and scrubbed myself and got rid of the ink. He took a photo of it as well on his phone to send to me.”
Freya said it destroyed both her career and mental health.
“I have scars – mentally and physically. I had the career I loved stolen from me. And I’m lonely now, I’m on my own, because I can’t trust anyone.”
She was later rushed to hospital for trying to amputate her breast and even tried to take her own life.
Freya has since left the ambulance service and received a payout from her former employer.
‘A minority just feel that behaviour is acceptable’
After students began speaking up about their experiences of harassment, the College of Paramedics began an investigation, running support workshops for the trainees.
Tracy Nicholls, chief executive of the professional body, said: “We have found that our student or female student council members are experiencing misogyny and sexual harassment – if not on a daily basis then on a weekly basis, by a minority of people who just feel that that behaviour is acceptable.”
Ms Nicholls is particularly concerned with the treatment of student paramedics, some of whom reported to the College being pressured into things in exchange for being passed on assignments.
She said: “Sometimes it’s perceived as banter, but immediately there’s a power imbalance there for that student. And sometimes it progresses to a really difficult space where they say ‘I won’t sign you off, until maybe you come out for a date with me’ or ‘I won’t sign you off until you send me a picture of yourself’.”
Ms Nicholls said she would tell her two granddaughters not to join the ambulance service, unless things dramatically change.
‘Fresh meat’
Laura – not her real name – is currently a paramedic for a different ambulance service.
She describes sexual harassment as “incessant” in the profession. She says students and new recruits are routinely referred to as “fresh meat”, subjected to sexual comments, questions and jokes – even in front of patients – and are continually sexualised by some male colleagues.
“It’s exhausting,” she said. “You come to work wanting to help your patients but every day you’re dealing with inappropriate behaviour and sexual comments.”
“I realised I looked forward to the winter months where it’s colder, where I can wear my jacket more often so that I’m more covered up.”
“We’ve got the same uniform, you know, we’ve got a standardised unisex uniform, and I shouldn’t have to feel like I’m being objectified and looked up and down by my colleagues, but that’s what happens.”
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Laura is also concerned about the prevalence of relationships between mentors and mentees.
“I’m not saying relationships in the workplace are completely off the cards,” she said.
“But, very often the stories I’ve heard of include mentors who have got wives and kids at home, and almost preying on these students who they think don’t know any better.
“And the student looks up to this paramedic, and the mentor will play on that. And will take advantage of the power that they have.”
Laura loves her job and says she’s speaking out because she wants change to ensure she and other women feel safe enough to stay in the service.
Fear of reprisals
Carol King, a former operations manager at South Western Ambulance Service, where she was in charge of 130 staff, says there’s an inherent power imbalance and vulnerability to working as a paramedic that abusers can exploit.
“So you’ve usually got two people together in an ambulance, obviously it’s isolating, you’re really vulnerable. If there’s an age gap the newer paramedic or trainee might see the older one as their idol.
“And if something does happen you’re afraid of saying anything to anybody senior because you always think you’re going to get reprisals, possibly that you won’t get another job, you won’t be able to move up the career ladder.”
Ms King left the Ambulance Service in 2017.
Carol King, a former operations manager at South Western Ambulance Service
John Martin, chief executive at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), said: “We do not tolerate any member of staff not demonstrating our trust values and behaviours…
“We expect everybody – our people, volunteers and all those that engage with our organisation – to commit to ensuring SWASFT is a safe, supportive and inclusive work place for all.
“We have robust policies and procedures in place for colleagues and volunteers, who include our students, to raise concerns, and we encourage anyone affected by inappropriate conduct to have the confidence to come forward to enable us to take appropriate action.”
‘Completely unacceptable’
The complaints have been backed by a series of reports in recent years into various trusts.
This winter, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives published a report highlighting concerns for “sexual safety” of staff working in the sector.
They found sexual harassment is deemed “acceptable” or a “rite of passage” in NHS trusts, which “normalises or creates a toxic culture” with “risks to mental and physical health”, and “potentially patient safety”.
They suggested the reason for such a culture lay in “specific factors, such as the nature of working within the ambulance service, having a hierarchical organisation, and having a workforce that until recently has been male dominated, are all thought to contribute to some potential issues with culture or attitudes”.
An NHS spokesperson said: “Any form of sexual misconduct is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the NHS.
“NHS England is taking action to ensure the safety of patients, staff and students by rolling out better reporting mechanisms, training and support as part of the NHS’s new Sexual Safety Charter, and all trusts and local health systems have been asked to appoint a domestic abuse and sexual violence lead, with more than 300 now in place across England.
“Every ambulance trust in England has committed to a single action plan – co-produced by those who have faced misogyny or sexual harassment in the workplace – which commits to improving sexual safety in the ambulance service.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
UK
Crown Prosecution Service acknowledges it twice failed to prosecute Mohamed al Fayed over sex abuse claims
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has acknowledged it had twice failed to bring charges against Mohamed al Fayed for sexual abuse.
The former Harrods owner, who died last year at the age of 94, was described as a “monster” earlier this week by lawyers representing alleged sexual abuse victims.
Women say he raped and sexually assaulted them while they worked at the luxury department store, and accused him of “cherry-picking” women to be brought to his executive suite.
As the legal team said they have heard more than 150 inquiries into Fayed’s alleged crimes, a CPS spokesperson has now said evidence against the Egyptian businessman was provided to prosecutors by the Metropolitan Police twice.
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‘I was terrified’: Alleged victim speaks out
In 2008, Fayed was accused of indecent assault against a 15-year-old girl, which he denied. The CPS did not prosecute the case when it was presented in 2009 over conflicting evidence.
He was then alleged to have raped a woman in 2013, which was reinvestigated by police in 2015 but did not lead to any charges.
While the CPS did review both files, the spokesperson said: “To bring a prosecution the CPS must be confident there is a realistic prospect of conviction – in each instance, our prosecutors looked carefully at the evidence and concluded this wasn’t the case.”
It marks the first time the service acknowledged the 2015 investigation. The CPS also provided the Met Police with early investigative advice for Fayed in 2018, 2021 and 2023.
Full evidence was never received for these instances and the police took no further action.
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‘Mohamed al Fayed brainwashed me’
It comes after the victims’ legal team confirmed on Saturday they had received “over 150 new inquiries” after a BBC documentary on Fayed aired.
It also follows the former head of royal protection saying he warned the Royal Family about Fayed’s reputation before Princess Diana took Prince Harry and Prince William on holiday with the businessman’s son.
Dai Davies told Sky News people were aware of the Egyptian businessman’s reputation as far back as the 1990s, and said: “This was a man who I would be concerned [about] if a relative of mine was going on holiday with him, let alone the future king and his brother and their mother, Princess Diana.”
Princess Diana, Prince William (right) and Prince Harry (left) in Saint Tropez on 14 July 1997. File pic: AP
He added he was “horrified” before the late princess went on holiday with Fayed and his wife to their residence in St Tropez in July 1997.
“I was aware that he had tried very hard to ingratiate himself with the Royal Family,” he said, “and obviously knowing, as I did, the reputation he was alleged [to have] then, I was concerned, and I took the opportunity to inform the Royal Family.”
Buckingham Palace told Sky News it had no comment on the allegations.
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Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Fulham FC, which was owned by Fayed between 1997 and 2013, also said it is “deeply troubled” by the dozens of “disturbing” sexual abuse allegations against the businessman.
Harrods said in a statement on Thursday it was “utterly appalled” by the allegations of abuse and apologised to Fayed’s alleged victims.
The department store has also set up a page on its website inviting former employees to come forward if they have allegations.
Anthony Joshua missed out on the chance to become a three-time heavyweight world champion after he was stopped by British rival Daniel Dubois in the fifth round.
Dubois, 27, knocked down Joshua towards the end of the opening round with an overhand right to the 34-year-old’s chin.
The IBF heavyweight champion then dropped Joshua at the end of round three and twice in the fourth.
A right hook ended the fight with a knockout for Dubois’ first defence of the title.
The fighters went toe to toe at London’s Wembley Stadium in front of a record 96,000 fans.
The 34-year-old was knocked down four times in the opening four rounds, and knocked out in the fifth. Pic: Reuters
Daniel Dubois became IBF champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title. Pic: Reuters
‘We came up short’
Minutes after retaining the IBF championship, Dubois shouted to the crowd “are you not entertained?” before saying: “I’m a gladiator, you know?
“I’m just a warrior to the bitter end. I’m just ready to go. I want to go to the top level of this game and reach my potential. God bless you all.”
Joshua said the loss would not stop him from rebuilding despite admitting “we came up short”.
“You know I’m ready to kick off in the ring, but I’m going to keep my cool, keep very professional, and give respect to my opponent,” he said.
“I’m always saying to myself I’m a fighter for life… We keep rolling the dice. I had a sharp opponent, a fast opponent and a lot of mistakes from my end, but that’s the game.”
Dubois’ victory has sent a message to the whole heavyweight division
Daniel Dubois will feel like he has fulfilled his destiny here at Wembley. His father has trained him to be a champion boxer since he was tiny.
He held the IBF belt, but he has gone in there tonight and defended it in spectacular fashion – he is now in every conversation going forward.
What now for AJ? Can he face rebuilding? And will he even want to?
The Wembley ring walk is notoriously long, and Dubois looked nervous – but so did Joshua, who has done this many times before in front of a full house.
Perhaps he was thinking of what was at stake – the chance to be a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.
But 27-year-old Dubois holds the belt and was keen to prove he was a worthy champion quickly.
Many wondered if Dubois would freeze on the biggest stage: Question asked and answered emphatically.
It was a crushing defeat for Joshua – most were not expecting such a one-sided victory.
Dubois will now most likely take on the winner of Fury v Usyk 2 for all the belts. But the manner of his victory has sent a message to the whole heavyweight division.
Pic: PA
Pic: PA
Hearn: AJ will want rematch
Promoter Eddie Hearn then said “it was the first round” where Joshua lost, “after that he was fighting on heart and desire”.
Hearn added: “When you are in there with a massive puncher this is what can happen. He never stopped trying to get up, even when he couldn’t get up.
“Daniel deserves credit, he’s a real world champion. Congratulations to him… I’m sure [Joshua will] exercise that rematch clause, it’s a given, it’s a dangerous fight because he’s growing in confidence all the time but he’ll believe he can beat him.”
Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire
British champion Dubois, who before tonight had never fought at Wembley, was elevated to the IBF title holder after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt.
Joshua outweighed Dubois by four pounds, despite a career-heaviest weight for his rival, ahead of the fight.
Among those watching was Tyson Fury, the former WBC heavyweight champion, who took a ringside seat.
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Liam plays Oasis hits
Fury is set to fight Usyk for the other three titles in a rematch on 21 December.
Ahead of the fight, Liam Gallagher played some of Oasis’ biggest hits to the sold-out crowd.
Pic: PA
Pic: Reuters
The 52-year-old frontman walked on to a massive cheer and said “yes Wembley vibes in the air,” before launching into Rock ‘N’ Roll Star, Supersonic and Cigarettes & Alcohol.
He and Noel Gallagher will play Wembley for their first of seven reunion shows at the stadium on 25 July – 307 days away.
Other famous faces ringside were Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor, former boxer Ricky Hatton, Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Love Island presenter Maya Jama.
UK
Mohamed al Fayed: Former royal security head says he warned Royal Family before Diana went on holiday with businessman
The former head of royal protection says he warned the Royal Family about Mohamed al Fayed’s reputation before Princess Diana took her sons on holiday with him.
The former Harrods owner, who died last year at the age of 94, was described as a “monster” earlier this week by lawyers representing 37 alleged sexual abuse victims.
The women say he raped and sexually assaulted them while they worked at the luxury department store, prowling the shop floor and “cherry-picking” women to be brought to his executive suite.
Now, Mr Davies says people were aware of the Egyptian businessman’s reputation as far back as the 1990s, and that he raised concerns about him to the Royal Family.
Princess Diana on the quay of the residence of Mohamed al Fayed in Saint Tropez on 20 July 1997. File pic: AP
“This was a man who I would be concerned [about] if a relative of mine was going on holiday with him, let alone the future king and his brother and their mother, Princess Diana,” Dai Davies told Sky News.
Mohamed al Fayed during a match at Craven Cottage stadium in 2013: File pic: PA
In July 1997, a month before she died, Princess Diana went on holiday with Fayed and his wife to their residence in St Tropez.
She took the two young princes with her – a holiday Prince Harry described as “heaven” in his 2023 memoir Spare.
“I was horrified because I was aware of some of the allegations even then that were going around,” said Mr Davies.
“I was aware that he had tried very hard to ingratiate himself with the Royal Family and obviously knowing, as I did, the reputation he was alleged [to have] then, I was concerned, and I took the opportunity to inform the Royal Family.”
Princess Diana, Prince William (right) and Prince Harry (left) in Saint Tropez on 14 July 1997. File pic: AP
Mr Davies says he was told: “Her Majesty is aware.”
“The rest is history,” he said.
Buckingham Palace told Sky News it had no comment on the allegations.
Fulham ‘deeply disturbed’ by allegations
Fulham FC, a football club that was owned by Fayed between 1997 and 2013, has said it is “deeply troubled” by the dozens of “disturbing” sexual abuse allegations against the businessman.
The Premier League club also said it is “in the process of establishing whether anyone at the club is or has been affected” by this alleged behaviour.
Mohamed al Fayed waves a Fulham scarf in front of supporters in 2012. Pic: Reuters
However, Gaute Haugenes, who managed the club’s women’s team between 2001 and 2003, told the BBC extra precautions were taken to protect female players from Fayed.
“We were aware he liked young, blonde girls. So we just made sure that situations couldn’t occur. We protected the players.”
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‘The door was locked behind me’
A former Harrods employee told Sky News she was summoned to Fayed’s apartment when she began working for the department store at 19 years old.
She was told the meeting was a “job review” before “the door was locked behind me”.
“I saw his bedroom door partially open – there were sex toys on view,” she said.
“I felt petrified. I perched myself at the very end of the sofa and then… my boss, the person I worked for, pushed himself onto me.”
Read more: ‘One of the worst cases of corporate sexual exploitation’
Harrods said in a statement on Thursday it was “utterly appalled” by the allegations of abuse and apologised to Fayed’s alleged victims.
The department store has also set up a page on its website inviting former employees to come forward if they have allegations.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
The legal team involved in a civil claim against Harrods for allegedly failing to provide a safe system of work for its employees said they aimed to seek justice for the victims of a “vast web of abuse”.
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