Paramedic leaked graphic shark bite photo from hospital

A paramedic has come forward claiming responsibility for leaking a graphic photo of injuries of Sydney Harbour shark victim. Read how the apology to Lauren O’Neill came about.

Exclusive: A paramedic working for NSW Health has been revealed as the person responsible for leaking a graphic photograph of Sydney Harbour shark attack victim Lauren O’Neill’s bloody leg, with images later ending up on social media.

The admission comes after St Vincent’s Hospital conducted its own investigation on who was in the room at the time, which included two paramedics in attendance.

The Daily Telegraph understands the individual paramedic responsible came forward this afternoon, admitting to sharing the image.
A NSW ambulance spokesperson this afternoon confirmed Ms O’Neill’s family received the apology earlier on Thursday afternoon.

“NSW Ambulance sincerely apologises to Ms O’Neill for the breach of her privacy and the additional distress it has caused her and her loved ones at this most difficult time.

Paramedics take Lauren O’Neill to hospital after she was bitten. Picture: On Scene Bondi

“We spoke with Ms O’Neill’s family this afternoon and informed them that we believe a NSW Ambulance staff member was responsible for the breach of her privacy.

“NSW Ambulance takes its patient privacy obligations very seriously and is continuing to investigate this breach to determine the full details of the incident.

Elizabeth Bay shark attack victim Lauren O'Neill. Picture: LinkedIn

Neighbours rush to help Lauren O’Neill after the attack. Picture: Instagram

The photo taken by the paramedic was separate from six images of the shark bite provided to NSW government scientists by police, which were also taken inside St Vincent’s Hospital.

The Daily Telegraph understands the images taken by police were not connected to the leaked photo.

The statement issued by NSW Ambulance this afternoon.

Health Minister Ryan Park said he was very concerned the image had been shared by the paramedic.

“I’m incredibly concerned this image was shared and I can only imagine it would have compounded an already harrowing experience for this young woman and her family,” he said.

“I understand NSW Ambulance has apologised. There are processes in place and they will be followed.

“Let’s not forget the incredible role our paramedics had in saving this young woman’s life, as they do each and every day.”

Paramedics and doctors fought hard to save Lauren’s life and leg, even flying extra blood to the jetty before moving her. Picture: On Scene Bondi

The graphic image of Ms O’Neill’s leg, which has been shared in online chat groups and widely on social media, shows a gaping wound on Ms O’Neill’s lower right leg as she lies on a hospital bed.

The Daily Telegraph has chosen not to publish the picture.

Elizabeth Bay jetty, near where Ms O’Neill was swimming.

The rescue effort on the jetty.

The photograph appears to have been taken soon after Ms O’Neill’s leg was unbandaged on arrival at St Vincent’s, with blood soaked bandages lying beside her.

Health authorities became aware of the photo circulating in the public domain on Wednesday, with the image taken in the emergency department.
Ambulance union boss Gerard Hayes said revelations surrounding the leaked photo were concerning.

Ms O’Neill was taken to hospital about 8pm at night in critical condition. Picture: On Scene Bondi

“The privacy of the patients is not something for broad distribution or social entertainment,” the Health Services Union secretary said.

“All paramedics should be very careful about the seriousness of their jobs and the seriousness of the trust placed in them by people in the most serious situation of their lives.”

Lauren O'Neill was a keen kayaker and owns an apartment by the water in Elizabeth Bay.

Ms O’Neill, 29, was rushed to the hospital on Monday night after being brutally attacked by a bull shark while having a swim after work in Sydney Harbour, about 7.30pm.

The horror attack happened right near the jetty Ms O’Neill had jumped off near her home in Elizabeth Bay.

Emergency crews spent more than an hour stabilising the young woman at the scene, even calling for urgent blood supplies to be flown in by helicopter from Bankstown after she suffered heavy blood loss.

Ms O’Neill underwent a marathon operation that night to save her leg, which had severed bones from the attack, and another round of delicate surgery through the night on Tuesday. She is expected to make a full recovery.

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