From what I was told, Hackensack Fire Dept. Rescue Company was on the scene as First Responder for a call in which an elderly female had lost consciousness and was having difficulty breathing.
Hackensack University Medical Center Ambulance (Vanguard) arrived and the Vanguard EMT’s chose to ignre the information that the Fire Rescue Officer attempted to pass on to them and cancelled the Paramedic Unit that was responding but had not yet arrived.
Reportedly the HUMC/Vanguard EMT’s concluded that there was nothing wrongand convinced this woman to RMA (Refuse Medical Aid).
Apparently some time later, this woman still not feeling good went to HUMC where she suffered a severe stroke.
NOT! I understand that there have been substantial delays with getting the first responder units notified. Plus, it would seem the Vanguard folks are very touchy about having the FD units on the scene with them. Guess they figure there’s less risk of being charged with incompetence if nobody on the outside sees it. Yup, equal or better indeed!
1081.2. True
by USAG0223, 9/29/08 16:08 ET
Re: Does anyone have any information by pedro045, 9/29/08
Woman was incoherently babbling and not making sense, one of the major signs of a stroke – brain activity not normal. AN EXPERIENCED EMT WOULD RECOGNIZE THESE SYMPTOMS RIGHT AWAY AND KNOW PARAMEDICS ARE NEEDED ON SCENE! “Corcone HPD-GPS” was on scene advising HUMC Vanguard, RMA signed. HFD engine 1st responder was advised to clear scene by HPD supervisor on scene. Woman was a local elderly resident that has been extremely vocal/critical in that neighborhood over the years trying to improve it for the residents, City Government had seen her as a thorn. She owns multiple properties on Central/First. She had suffered a stroke and was brought to hospital later in the day. If it was one of our “SAVE OUR 8” HFDEMS professional responders, she would not have suffered further injury as it now seems. TOP QUALITY CARE MY A**, it’s only a matter of time when someone dies and it will be covered up if your disposable.
YOU CALL THIS HEALTH CARE?! 