West Midlands Paramedic Removed from Register After Morphine Misuse
A paramedic from the West Midlands has been struck off the medical register after admitting to stealing and self-administering morphine while working exhausting 100-hour weeks during the Coronavirus pandemic. Guy Carman, who worked for the West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust, told a tribunal he repeatedly worked under immense pressure with inadequate support from managers.
Pandemic Pressure and Professional Breakdown
Carman described how he began to struggle during the height of the Covid crisis, stating that he would break down in tears before being sent back out on 999 emergency calls. The father explained that he lost his moral compass under these extreme circumstances, leading him to misappropriate controlled drugs intended for patients.
The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service panel heard that Carman's dishonesty occurred over a prolonged period between October 2021 and February 2023. During this time, he would regularly self-administer morphine before falsifying medical records to cover his tracks, even continuing to drive ambulances while under the influence of the powerful painkiller.
Investigation and Admissions
The case came to light when an empty morphine ampoule was discovered at an ambulance hub in February 2023, triggering an investigation that revealed discrepancies in Carman's controlled drug records and documentation. When questioned in April of that year, Carman admitted fabricating stories about morphine administration and eventually confessed to long-term misuse.
In a detailed admission to the HCPC solicitors in December 2025, Carman revealed he had been self-administering morphine on nearly every shift rather than properly disposing of unused medication through the NHS's Disposal Of Old Pharmaceuticals (DOOPS) system. He specifically admitted to falsely recording the administration of 5ml of morphine sulphate when he had actually used sodium chloride.
Tribunal Findings and Consequences
The tribunal panel determined that Carman's fitness to practise was impaired due to his misconduct, noting that his actions posed significant risks to public safety. The report stated: "Carman repeatedly used controlled drugs intended for service users. His actions posed a serious risk of harm to patients and the public, by both driving an ambulance and continuing to work when he had misappropriated and self-administered controlled drugs."
Despite acknowledging that Carman had demonstrated genuine insight into his behaviour and had taken steps to address his health issues, the panel concluded there remained an ongoing risk of relapse if he returned to paramedic duties. The tribunal noted his 20-year previously unblemished career but emphasised the seriousness of his prolonged dishonesty.
Service Response and Personal Reflection
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that Carman was suspended in March 2023 after the trust became aware of the allegations and that he resigned before a disciplinary hearing could take place. The trust reported the matter to the Health and Care Professions Council and cooperated fully with their investigation.
In a statement to the tribunal, Carman expressed deep remorse for his actions, describing his conduct as "abhorrent" and stating he was "disgusted" with himself. He acknowledged that the temptation to relapse would be too great if he returned to paramedic work where he would have access to morphine. The former paramedic revealed he continues to struggle daily with the consequences of his actions and recognised that his behaviour fell far short of professional standards.
The case highlights the extreme pressures faced by frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic and the serious consequences when professional boundaries are breached, even under difficult circumstances.
