By EMS1 Staff
REXBURG, Idaho — The city of Rexburg and a family settled a lawsuit that allegedly accused a paramedic of burning a newborn baby during transport two years ago.
Court documents revealed that after Londyn Porter was born at home, paramedics wrapped her in a foil blanket to heat her up while she was transported to the hospital. Doctors later reported Londyn sustained second-degree burns on her right leg and posterior.
Officials said the standard heating packs paramedics used were out of stock, reported the Idaho Statesman. They had to use a different brand; crews have since ceased using them.
Although the exact amount of the settlement was not disclosed, the Porters were seeking $100,000, medical fees and attorney costs.
“We need to acknowledge that this was a circumstance that, with the best intentions of our paramedics, resulted in a burn to this young baby,” city attorney Steve Zollinger said. “We want to make sure we increase our level of training to prevent such injuries in the future.”
Officials also announced the creation of the “Londyn Porter Policy,” which requires all fire department employees to undergo training in the use of heat packs.
“I’m grateful to the Porter family, the City of Rexburg and the Madison Fire Department for coming together to reach a resolution,” Mayor Jerry Merrill said. “I am especially grateful that it resulted in the creation of something positive.”