Fake medic had own ambulance

Oddball Ryan Nurse posed as a paramedic for 18 months – with his own ambulance, uniform and forged qualifications, a court heard. Nurse, 22, lived out his teenage fantasy by attending carnivals and sporting events. He even persuaded schools to book him to give first aid lessons to pupils.

Nurse – his real name – set up a company called Medina Emergency Medical Services as part of his scam.

In 2005 he was given an award by the duped St John Ambulance for 500 hours of voluntary medical work in a year. Nurse then bought a secondhand ambulance and some old equipment.



He even turned up to work as a paramedic at the international yachting regatta Cowes Week – although he had been hired only as a car park attendant. Nurse was rumbled after applying to join a firm as a first aider. The boss was suspicious and told police.

The next day he found Nurse on site, without permission, giving medical advice to a pregnant woman. Police raided his home in Cowes, Isle of Wight, where he lived with his mum. They found medical gear and prescription-only medicines.

Nurse admitted deception and making false representations. He was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.