Paramedic cleared to return after fatal crash

A paramedic, Edward Riding, previously jailed and suspended for causing the death of his colleague, Alice Clark, in an ambulance crash on January 5, 2022, will now be permitted to return to the profession. The accident occurred near Tonbridge when Riding mistook a layby on the A21 for a turn-off, causing the ambulance to collide with parked vehicles. Miss Clark, who had recently qualified, died at the scene.

In April 2024, Riding received a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and a 15-month driving disqualification. Separately, the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) imposed a 12-month suspension. However, a review hearing on January 29, 2026, agreed that this suspension can expire without extension on February 18, 2026.

The HCPTS panel acknowledged the seriousness of the incident but noted Riding's remorse and a low risk of repetition. They determined that a period of suspension was sufficient to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession. Riding, an Australian national, also sustained injuries in the crash, as did a second paramedic and the driver of a cement lorry.

Alice Clark's parents were honored with the Elizabeth Emblem for their daughter's service. An inquest into the accident was critical of SECAmb's procedures for checking staff driving standards, suggesting Miss Clark's death might have been avoided if previous complaints about Riding's driving had been acted upon.