Cracking Jubblies Comment on Facebook Leads to Medic Being Disciplined

Not sure how we missed this one back in April when the decision came down, but a British Paramedic was found guilty of misconduct for posting a remark on his Facebook page indicating that he “copped a feel” while on a run.

Paramedic Mark Small of the Great Western Ambulance Service was accused of misconduct for a post he made following a shift on June 28, 2011. The comment was reportedly: “Saved someone’s life and managed to cop a feel of some cracking jubblies.”

Following the posting, Small was suspended from work. He was later reinstated when it was determined that he never actually touched anyone… he apparently was just bragging that he had. The UK’s Health Professions Council reviewed his case and concluded Small’s conduct was “irresponsible, immature and highly unprofessional”. He was given an official caution that will remain on his record for 3 years.

Isn’t it nice to know that it’s not just us who are struggling with social media…

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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