City disciplining 4 EMS workers over snowstorm death
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Pittsburgh officials this afternoon announced disciplinary action against four Emergency Medical Services workers for not doing enough to help Hazelwood resident Curtis Mitchell during a February snowstorm.
Mr. Mitchell died Feb. 7 after he and his girlfriend called 911 for medical help 10 times over 30 hours.
Three times, ambulances were dispatched to Mr. Mitchell's home but couldn't reach it because of the snow.
All three times the calls were aborted by 911 dispatchers.
Although paramedic union President Anthony Weinmann said his medics were following orders, city Public Safety Director Michael Huss said he expected more. Mr. Huss said he was particularly concerned about the lack of compassion EMS workers showed both in the field and in the 911 center.
Paramedics had wanted Mr. Mitchell, who had abdominal pain, to walk to the ambulance when they couldn't get it up to his house.
"He ain't [expletive] comin' down, and I ain't waitin' all day for him," acting crew chief Josie Dimon was heard to say on a 911 recording played at a news conference today. "I mean, what the [expletive]. This ain't no cab service," she said during a transmission at 2 a.m. Feb. 6. A 911 dispatcher eventually aborted the call.
Facing three-day suspensions are crew chief Kim Long, a union member, and district chiefs Norman Auvil and Ron Curry. Ms. Dimon, also a union member, faces a five-day suspension pending termination.
Before this afternoon's press conference, paramedics told city council this morning that they've been made scapegoats for the city's failed response to the February snowstorm.
"The truth is, there was a total system failure," union grievance chairman Tom Polito said.
"There are no grounds or merit to discipline," he said. "Zero."
Medics said Mr. Huss was one of those who should have better planned for the snow emergency and now wants to "slander" medics.
A couple of medics pointed out that they were in town and working during the snowstorm while Mayor Luke Ravenstahl was out of town. He had gone to a Laurel Highlands ski resort to celebrate his birthday.
Council will hold a hearing at 10 a.m. April 5 on the city's response to the snowstorm.
Any resident interested in speaking may call the city clerk's office.
First Published March 23, 2010 10:07 am
