Paramedic leaked sensitive images of shark attack victim Lauren O’Neill, NSW Ambulance confirms

NSW Ambulance has apologised after a paramedic circulated sensitive photos of Lauren O’Neill that were taken without her consent.

NSW Ambulance has apologised after a paramedic leaked sensitive photos of shark attack victim Lauren O’Neill in the wake of her attack in Sydney earlier this week.

 The apology comes after an investigation by St Vincent’s ­Hospital and NSW Police into photos of Ms O’Neill’s bloodied leg after the attack that were taken without her consent.

“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,” the statement said.

“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.

“It is not appropriate to make any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.”

Police provided six photos of O’Neill to the NSW Department of Primary Industries in the wake of the attack.

Ms O’Neill, a kayaker who ­recently moved into the area, was swimming off a private wharf in Elizabeth Bay on Monday evening when what is believed to be a bull shark bit her leg. She pulled herself to a nearby ladder before locals dragged her bleeding from the water. Her leg was severely injured and appeared to be broken.

Neighbours held the hand of a “very lucid” and calm Ms O’Neill, bandaged her wound, and talked to her while they waited for paramedics to arrive.

Elizabeth Bay shark attack survivor Lauren O'Neill. Pictures: Supplied

Those at the scene described Ms O’Neill as “brave”. Even in her state, she thanked them for helping her. Ms O’Neill, a microbiologist, was in a stable condition at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney on Tuesday.

Elizabeth Bay resident ­Michael Porter was one of the first on the scene and heard the “soft yell” of a woman before rushing to help. He said there “was blood everywhere”.

“I saw Lauren climbing out of the harbour on the ladder and she was sort of pulling herself up quite weakly, she didn’t have much strength and there was a whole pool of red blood in the harbour,” Mr Porter said.

“Her leg was limp.”

Mr Porter stayed with Ms O’Neill as he called triple-0, and other neighbours came to her side with towels.