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Paramedic on drugs: Illegally transporting patients in the Wartburg district
In the Wartburg district, a paramedic without a license and under drugs was checked. He transported patients despite the ban.
Paramedic on drugs: Illegally transporting patients in the Wartburg district
A disturbing incident from the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district is causing a stir: a 43-year-old paramedic put the safety of patients and road users to the test over a period of three months. The man was driving an emergency vehicle and did not have a valid driver's license. Loud in southern Thuringia He was also often under the influence of drugs, which was proven in a traffic stop in the Wartburg district.
On June 20, 2025, the incident was discovered during a traffic stop. The paramedic had previously lost his driver's license due to positive drug tests, specifically amphetamines. Surprisingly, he did not inform his employer, the German Red Cross Eschwege, that he had lost his driving license and simply continued his work in the emergency services. The district manager Thomas Wuth confirmed East Hesse News that labor law action has already been taken against the paramedic.
Investigations and internal controls
Given the seriousness of the incident, the 43-year-old is currently under investigation. The police are checking whether he made any further journeys during the period without a license. So far, no exact numbers on possible trips have been published. In order to prevent such incidents in the future, the employer has announced a review and tightening of internal control mechanisms. While driving licenses were previously checked every four weeks, this interval will now be shortened to guarantee patient safety.
Wuth emphasized that all 82 emergency service employees have the necessary driving licenses. However, the reason why the loss of the driver's license went unnoticed remains an open issue and is part of the ongoing investigation.
Drugs and their consequences in traffic
In Germany, consuming drugs while driving is a serious offense as it endangers the safety of all road users. Loud ADAC Even the smallest doses – be it cannabis, cocaine or other substances – can lead to serious legal consequences. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment, and drug use while driving can also result in a driving license being revoked.
Road traffic awareness work is becoming increasingly important. The ADAC is therefore calling for increased controls and more information for road users in order to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs on the road.
The case of the paramedic from Hersfeld-Rotenburg should be a wake-up call that makes it clear how important it is to ensure safety in the emergency services and in the entire transport system.