Shropshire paramedic cleared of misconduct charge

A Shropshire paramedic who reached a top speed of just 28mph while answering a 999 call was allowed to keep his job today after a panel ruled driving slowly did not amount to misconduct.

Darren Lapping, of Chapel Road, Hadnall, near Shrewsbury, blamed his sat nav for delays in reaching the 60-year-old man's home, the Health Professions Council has heard.

The paramedic was said to have "delayed the emergency response" after missing an eight-minute target for urgent calls, instead taking 12 minutes and 46 seconds.

Lapping, based at Shrewsbury Ambulance Station, was found to have achieved a maximum speed of less than 30mph while making his way to the emergency on July 23, 2009.

But the panel threw out an allegation he had failed to use blue lights while making his way to the patient.

Panel chairman Clare Reggiori said: "The panel does not consider that achieving a maximum speed of less than 30mph amounts to misconduct."