Ambulance dispatch delay probed in Fla. after death

ABC-7

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — A 9-1-1 dispatcher is on administrative leave, accused of mishandling a call that ended in a woman’s death. Police say the dispatcher waited 14 minutes to send an ambulance to a 91-year-old woman who went into cardiac arrest.

“What we do know is there was a 14-minute delay in responding, sending an ambulance to the scene,” said Punta Gorda Police Chief Albert Arenal. “At this time the dispatcher in question is on administrative leave.”

Punta Gorda Communication Supervisor Nancy Morris answered the 9-1-1 call Friday night. The caller stated a 91-year-old woman was in cardiac arrest.

That woman was later pronounced dead at the scene.

“There is nothing to indicate there would have been any difference in the outcome of this case either way. That being said, we take this very seriously and very thoroughly to get answers,” said Chief Arenal.

He explained Morris immediately dispatched a police officer and a fire crew consisting of three EMTs and one paramedic. But she didn’t dispatch an ambulance until 14 minutes later.

Full story: Woman dead after dispatch delay