A female paramedic went on a shopping trip in her ambulance while on 999 call, a disciplinary hearing has heard.
Esther Thomas, 37, was on duty when she drove the ambulance to an Aldi store rather than telling controllers she was available to respond to another emergency.
Thomas bought personal shopping during her visit to the shop, while another paramedic in the ambulance waited in the car park outside.
Then, still wearing her paramedic's uniform, she was spotted by a member of the public stealing a shrub she dug up from the store's car park, the hearing was told.
She was suspended from her job while an investigation was launched, but the hearing was told she is still being paid nearly two years later.
Laura Ryan, presenting the case, said Thomas and another paramedic were called to an emergency response to a patient.
Esther Thomas, 37, was on duty when she drove the ambulance to an Aldi store rather than telling controllers she was available to respond to another emergency.
Thomas bought personal shopping during her visit to the shop, while another paramedic in the ambulance waited in the car park outside.
Then, still wearing her paramedic's uniform, she was spotted by a member of the public stealing a shrub she dug up from the store's car park, the hearing was told.
She was suspended from her job while an investigation was launched, but the hearing was told she is still being paid nearly two years later.
Laura Ryan, presenting the case, said Thomas and another paramedic were called to an emergency response to a patient.