Rescuers who sexually abused an unconscious woman during transport

A US paramedic who sexually assaulted an unconscious woman while she was being transported in an ambulance has been charged.

According to US media such as CBS News and Newsweek, James Melady, a 37-year-old first responder who works for the Flagler County Fire Department in Florida, was arrested on the 11th (local time) on charges of sexual assault on a patient.

Investigators said they secured a video showing Melady sexually abusing a patient who passed out in an ambulance.

The woman collapsed in her home at the time and was taken to a Palm Coast area hospital.

During the police investigation, Melady admitted the allegations, but the victim did not know that she had been sexually abused.

Given that rescue teams are dispatched hundreds of times a year, police are investigating and believe there will be more female victims sexually abused by Melady.

A police officer said: “It is shocking that he committed a crime against a victim who had lost consciousness in an urgent emergency situation” and asked: “If you believe you are a victim, please actively report it.”