Mr John Robert Cook – Senior First Aid Officer – Permanent Prohibition Order

16 February 2022

The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (Commission) investigated the conduct of Mr John Robert Cook, Senior First Aid Officer. The Commission received a complaint which alleged that Mr Cook was seen wearing a fake NSW Ambulance uniform and driving a mock ambulance designed to deceive the public that he was a NSW Ambulance Officer

On 21 March 2021, Mr Cook was charged by NSW Police with one count of use display services organisation insignia under section 63B(2)(a) of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, and one count of Use light vehicle not comply with standard under section 60(1)(b)(i) the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017.  Mr Cook pled guilty and the charges were dismissed via section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.

The investigation found that Mr Cook intentionally posed as an Ambulance Officer and attended an incident where the public could have mistakenly believed him to be a fully trained and qualified paramedic able to render assistance. Mr Cook also failed to co-operate with the Commission’s investigation or express any insight into the seriousness of his conduct. The Commission cannot be confident that in his work as a first aid officer that he will not represent that he can provide, or actually provide health services outside of his experience or training.

The Commission is satisfied that Mr Cook poses a risk to the health and safety of members of the public. Accordingly, the following prohibition order is made under section 41A(2) of the Health Care Complaints Act 1993:

Mr John Cook, a Senior First Aid Officer, is permanently prohibited from providing any health services, either in paid employment or voluntarily, to any member of the public.

Further Information

For further information, contact the Executive Officer of the Health Care Complaints Commission, on (02) 9219 7444 or send an email to media@hccc.nsw.gov.au.

The information in this media release is correct at the time of publication. Orders may change; for example, conditions may no longer apply. For current information regarding the status of a registered health practitioner, including any conditions that currently apply, please check the National Register at www.ahpra.gov.au