ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An N.M. EMT is being investigated for, among other things, telling patients they don’t need to go to the hospital when some actually did.
Brad Tate allegedly responded to calls and told patients that they did not need to be taken to the hospital. Some of those patients later were rushed to the ER with serious medical conditions, according to KRQE.
This investigation comes after a string of complaints against Tate, including the alleged assault of two women and a bar brawl. A 2009 lawsuit said he caused a crash that resulted in a man’s death.
An attorney said that Tate was reportedly driving a rescue unit during rush hour and turned off his lights and sirens after being notified his call had been canceled. However, he allegedly continued driving without stopping at a red light and slammed into a 79-year-old man’s car.
Despite the complaints,Tate has not lost his job and is currently on desk duty.
The Albuquerque Fire Department said it is investigating the complaints.