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Baby dies after EMT refuses to respond to a call; EMT claims innocence and receives a “pretty light” sentence

The EMT who declined to assist a newborn while she was only minutes from her house has been fired.

The EMT named Ann was fired from the fire department following the completion of an internal investigation into the matter.

“We conducted an appeals hearing, which Ms. Ann requested. After reviewing all of the facts of this incident, I have determined that the appropriate course of action is to terminate Ms. Ann’ employment with the fire department effective immediately,” fire commissioner Edsel said in a statement.

The veteran medic was ordered by a frantic supervisor to respond to the house, where the mother had called for help, stating that her baby was not breathing. Ann was nine tenths of a mile from the home, where she had been on a previous run. However, she flatly refused to respond to the scene.

The 8-month-old baby was just a two minute drive from her location, at normal speed, but Ann arrived after six minutes. She shocked dispatchers when she told them, “33 is in position on Pembroke around the corner from the scene.”

“33, I’m going to need you to make that scene,” the fire EMS supervisor said. “You’re going to have to make patient contact.”

Ann parked the vehicle just a street away from the baby, but refused to go to the house.

911: “Uh, Romeo 33? Updated information that the child is not breathing. The baby was hooked up to an oxygen machine because it was premature. Romeo 33?”

Still, Ann and her partner did not make a move.

911: “Romeo 33, Medic 51, be advised CPR is being performed on your scene. Romeo 33, Medic 51. CPR is being performed by the baby’s mother.”

They still refused to go to the house.

The department conducted two internal investigations, and a report stated that Ann had told her supervisor, “I’m not about to be on the scene for 10 minutes doing CPR, you know how these families get.”

An ambulance eventually arrived and transported the baby to the hospital. She was revived, but unfortunately, she died the next morning.

“EMT Ann was immediately removed from duty following this incident,” Commissioner Edsel said. “She has since filed an appeal. As executive fire commissioner, I have the ability to make the ultimate determination.”

Years later, besides the prosecutor’s office asking for a “harsher” sentence, Ann was sentenced to 3 months in jail and 2 years of probation. On top of the jail time and probation, she was also offered mental health services. Many people familiar with the case argued the sentence she received was “pretty light.” What are your thoughts on this?

 

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