TRENTON, N.J. -- At least four Capital Health paramedics were fired Monday after administrators found their mandatory certifications were falsified, officials confirmed yesterday.
The group apparently gained the certificates from one approved instructor.
The paramedics had been on suspension since last week, when an investigation determined their state-mandated pediatric care endorsements were not legitimate.
“It’s truly unconscionable,” said Jayne O’Connor, a Capital Health spokeswoman. “Truly. And that’s how we’re treating it.” With some sources saying as many as seven employees had been fired, hospital officials said more may face termination.
“Although I think we’re probably talking about the realm of a few people,” O’Connor said.
The hospital forwarded the information to the state Department of Health and Senior Services.
“The department’s currently investigating to see if our rules and regulations were broken,” spokeswoman Dawn Thomas said.
Authorities are also investigating the instructor who provided the certificates to all of the terminated employees.
“We’re investigating the entire incident,” Thomas said.
In order to work as paramedics in New Jersey, emergency workers must undergo either Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PAPP-Advanced) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training, O’Connor said. The course is conducted by instructors who are certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics.