DETROIT — An EMT with the Detroit fire department has been fired after refusing to respond to a call.
A frantic mother called 911 after her 8-month-old stopped breathing.
Two EMT’s arrived in the vicinity of the residence, but they parked just blocks away from the home, purposely not showing up to save the baby.
The medic, Ann Marie Thomas, was told by dispatch the baby was premature and had been hooked up to an oxygen machine.
Thomas refused to help save the child for a shocking reason…
911 DISPATCH FROM CLICKONDETRIOT:
911: “Uh, Romeo 33? Updated information that the child is not breathing. The baby was hooked up to an oxygen machine because it was premature. Romeo 33?”
Even with that information, Thomas and her partner didn’t move.
911: “Romeo 33, Medic 51, be advised CPR is being performed on your scene. Romeo 33, Medic 51. CPR is being performed by the baby’s mother.”
Two internal investigations were done. The report reads that Thomas told her boss, “I’m not about to be on no scene 10 minutes doing CPR, you know how these families get.”
An ambulance eventually got the baby to a hospital. She was revived but died the next morning.
“EMT Thomas was immediately removed from duty following this incident,” said Commissioner Jenkins. “She has since filed an appeal. As executive fire commissioner, I have the ability to make the ultimate determination.”
Jenkins announced the firing on Wednesday:
“Today, we conducted an appeals hearing, which Ms. Thomas requested. After reviewing all of the facts of this incident, I have determined that the appropriate course of action is to terminate Ms. Thomas’ employment with the Detroit Fire Department effective immediately,” said Jenkins in a statement released Wednesday.
It’s unclear what Thomas meant by “how these families get.”
An investigation is ongoing.
