Two days after an autopsy report revealed an Illinois man had died of “compressional and positional asphyxia” due to, or as a consequence of “prone facedown restraint on a ... cot/stretcher by tightened straps across the back,” the providers who transported him were charged with first degree murder.
In Lexipol Editorial Director Greg Friese’s analysis of the bodycam footage released by police, he writes, “The video, capturing the actions and inactions of EMS, is deeply disturbing to watch and should send shockwaves through the heart of any EMS professional.”
Do you agree with the charges? Read the facts of the case here and take our poll above to share your thoughts.
| Yes, I agree with the charge of first degree murder in this case. | 28 % |
| I agree the providers should be charged, but not with first-degree murder. | 46 % |
| No, I do not agree that the providers should have been charged in this case. | 10 % |
| I don’t know/I need more information. | 16 % |
| Total | 1321 |