A woman experiencing chest pain needed a second ambulance to reach a Cleveland hospital after the first ambulance driver allegedly abandoned her and arranged an Uber ride home for himself.
Here's what to know
According to EMS1, it happened Oct. 28 in the 4100 block of West 150th Street. The woman was being transported to Cleveland Clinic in a private ambulance.
Cleveland 19 News reported that the driver told the woman he would drive no farther that day after he had become lost.
The Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees Local 1975 said a Cleveland EMS unit was dispatched to the woman's location after the driver left.
More background
Action 5 News identified the driver's employer as Lynx EMS, a private ambulance service.
The woman was treated by the responding paramedics before they transported her to the hospital, a CARE spokesperson said.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
What's being done?
Lynx EMS said it took steps to address the issue.
"Patient safety and quality care are of the utmost importance to us and responsibilities we take very seriously," the company said. "Upon becoming aware of the situation, immediate steps were taken to address the matter and ensure the patient's well-being and care needs were addressed.
"We are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding this incident and will take appropriate action based on the findings of that review. As this involves personnel and patient related matters, we are unable to comment further. We remain committed to providing high-quality care and maintaining the trust of our patients, their families, healthcare partners, and the communities we serve."
Where can I learn more?
Other patients have reported trouble getting an ambulance or reaching emergency services.
• In Texas, an 83-year-old woman said rutted roads nearly kept an ambulance from reaching her.
• In Albania, a tourist said emergency services hung up after a viper bite.
• An Illinois woman said she was left vomiting for hours after ER staff took vitals.
• In Massachusetts, an EMS provider sought $1,178 per ambulance call, saying the town wasn't contributing.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
