Woman sues ambulance service after being injured in transport
Charis M. Thrasher had her femur shattered when a paramedic fell on it
By EMS1 Staff
EAST PITTSBURGH, Pa. — An East Pittsburgh woman has filed a lawsuit against an ambulance service for negligence after being injured during a transport.
Charise M. Thrasher, 50, hired Guardian Angel Ambulance Services to take her to the hospital to have a cast removed in December 2010, according to the Tribune-Review.
Paramedics shattered Thrasher's femur when one of them fell on her as they were carrying her upstairs to her home.
The lawsuit says Thrasher need surgery to repair her injuries and is seeking in excess of $25,000.
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Mark A. White Wednesday, December 12, 2012 11:26:02 AM 25k that's a lot but I can see her asking for more with that ype of injury. But with private companies more than likely there wasn't enough resources to carry this women upstairs...Rather unfortuante for all involved. 
Jonathan W Spence Wednesday, December 12, 2012 11:39:23 AM Well we should be able to sue fat people that hurt our backs when we lift them. Secondly why should the medic get sued? That is why the company maintaiin mal practice insurance. Mark A. White Wednesday, December 12, 2012 11:42:43 AM the company is getting sued. because lawyers know medics dont make a lot of money.
Lisa Michelle Hawkins Wednesday, December 12, 2012 11:56:54 AM This is just sad all the way around :( 
Christina Styron Cherro Wednesday, December 12, 2012 11:57:57 AM While I feel for this person's situation, Marty beat me to the obvious question- How much does she weigh and was she a hoarder with only a narrow passageway? Not trying to place blame on the patient, as accidents certainly happen; however, if she contributed to the issue then I think that should certainly be brought to the surface. 
John Vo Wednesday, December 12, 2012 12:27:47 PM Probably need to see the Run Report but not a good thing to fall on a PT you're carrying. This goes with not moving heavy equipment over them or the obvious, step over them. 
Amy Perez Wednesday, December 12, 2012 12:49:40 PM I guess we aren't looking at the obvious questions, why did she need to be carried back up to her home after having her cast removed? After that how did she get around prior to getting her cast off. It is very costly to have ambulance crews to carry you up and down stairs every day. I'm not blaming her, but there are many question left by the narrative of this article. Lisa Michelle Hawkins Wednesday, December 12, 2012 7:22:39 PM Your Asolutely Right! I hadn't looked at it that way before.
Julio David Torres Wednesday, December 12, 2012 7:10:37 PM Looks like a nice, clean break. It should heal up well. 
Jason Eckert Wednesday, December 12, 2012 8:38:18 PM To prove negligence they will have to show that the EMT failed in his "duty to act". Not much to go on here with these four sentences, but I would be surprised if a lawyer could prove negligence. Hope it works out for the EMT. JAEEMT NREMT-P 
Jake Stein Sunday, December 16, 2012 9:58:15 AM Looks like you failed to read the first chapter of the EMT and Paramedic textbooks.
The components are also: Act in a reasonable and prudent manner.
Provide reasonable care consistent with education and local protocol. Jake Stein Thursday, December 13, 2012 8:26:58 AM Do you think she only had a broken arm? Do you really think people should be kept in the hospital until their fractures heal? The article did not say where she had a cast or for how long. It could have been a cast for a spinal injury or a very extensive leg fx. Many people, including the young, might need extensive physical therapy to regain function to where they can walk.
EMS needs to get away from believing all patients are bullcrap and a waste of time or just out to "get the EMT or Paramedic". Other healthcare professions accept the responsibility which is given to them and don't whine or put blame on everyone else when they screw up. This is part of being a professional. Jake Stein Thursday, December 13, 2012 8:27:24 AM Do you think she only had a broken arm? Do you really think people should be kept in the hospital until their fractures heal? The article did not say where she had a cast or for how long. It could have been a cast for a spinal injury or a very extensive leg fx. Many people, including the young, might need extensive physical therapy to regain function to where they can walk.
EMS needs to get away from believing all patients are bullcrap and a waste of time or just out to "get the EMT or Paramedic". Other healthcare professions accept the responsibility which is given to them and don't whine or put blame on everyone else when they screw up. This is part of being a professional.
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