By Leila Merrill
EMS1
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Two Clearwater Fire and Rescue paramedics have been placed on administrative duty after a patient they pronounced dead was found to be breathing, WFLA reported last week. They also were clinically suspended by Pinellas County’s EMS medical director.
The two Station 47 paramedics were dispatched Wednesday to a home for a reported cardiac arrest.
The EMS providers pronounced the man, 65, dead soon after their arrival, according to a statement from Clearwater Fire. They left after law enforcement officers with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrived to investigate the apparent death.
A deputy discovered that the man was breathing and requested medical help.
Largo Fire Rescue crews began patient care and transported the man to a hospital.
“Upon notification of this incident, we immediately removed both fire medics from their normal duties and discontinued their abilities to provide patient care, in conjunction with the county’s medical director,” Clearwater Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Ehlers said in a statement.
“On behalf of the city, I apologize for the actions and the inactions of our crew during this incident. We have strict policies and procedures in place that were not followed, according to our preliminary review. These two did not perform to the standard of care that our citizens expect and deserve. We will address this incident swiftly.”