Man Died From Being Improperly Restrained During Ambulance Ride
Wrongful Death - January 11, 2023
Murder Charges Filed Following The Death of Man Who Was Improperly Restrained During Sangamon County Ambulance Ride
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (January 11, 20222) – A 35-year-old man identified died after being improperly restrained during an ambulance ride.
Sangamon County prosecutors are saying that the incident began in the early morning hours of December 18. A patient was being transported from his home to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Tragically, he died after being admitted to the hospital. A coroner report indicated that the victim died from compressional and positional asphyxia.
In particular, the victim was placed down on a stretcher with straps tightened across his back. Two emergency medical service workers have been charged with first degree murder for his death.
The Sangamon County State’s Attorney said that the two workers should have known from their training that their actions “would create a substantial probability of great bodily harm or death.”
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Springfield Ambulance Accidents
It is extremely important that patients are properly restrained when they are being transported in an ambulance. Failing to secure a patient can lead to them being seriously injured in the event of a crash. According to Charly D. Miller, Paramedic, EMS Author & Educator, “the use of forceful-prone-restraint (with or without hobble or “hogtie” restraint) has been associated with causing patient death from “positional asphyxia.”” Physical restraints should always be the least restrictive as possible. There are several types of restraints that should never be used when transporting patients on a stretcher.
- Physical Forceful-Prone-Restraint
- Mechanical Forceful-Prone-Restraint
- Forceful-Prone-Restraint
- Hobble Restraint
Emergency medical workers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid causing harm to patients. They must undergo extensive training and are expected to know how to properly secure patients for transport. When an EMS fails to properly secure a patient and causes bodily injury or death, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Their employer could also be vicariously liable for their actions. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any death due to improper medical care.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any death due to the negligent actions of medical workers. We trust doctors and medical staff with our lives and well-being. But in far too many situations, that trust is misplaced. It is important for people to know that they do have rights. The family of any person that died due to medical errors may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. Sadly, though, hospital and medical companies will fight hard to deny liability for any incident. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved and protected.
Investigating A Springfield Ambulance Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to prosecutors. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make sure that nothing similar ever happens again in Sangamon County.
Do you need more information about any instance of Sangamon County medical malpractice? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
