DC Firefighters Investigated For Delaying Response to Chest Pain Call

Two firefighters with the District of Columbia are facing possible discipline over allegations they delayed their response to a medical emergency in order to pick up a fast-food order. According to News4 reporter, Paul Wagner, the firefighters assigned to Ambulance 3, were dispatched to a call for a 57-year-old woman experiencing chest pain. Because they had a busy day and had not eaten, they opted to stop at a Chick-Fil-A to pick up a previously ordered meal.

Wagner reports that one of the firefighters submitted a written statement saying “there was no delay in patient care or response.”

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Bridgeport Firefighter Accused of Taking Drugs at Incident Scene

A Bridgeport, Connecticut firefighter is facing charges that he took drugs from the scene of a suspected drug overdose last month. Harold Clarke Jr. has been charged with tampering with evidence and interfering with a police officer.

NJ Court Upholds Removal of Firefighter From Promotional List

The Appellate Division of New Jersey Superior Court has upheld a decision to remove a firefighter from a promotional list based on his poor disciplinary record. John Shaw sought to challenge his removal from the promotional list for lieutenant in the Belleville Fire Department, claiming it was politically based due to his record as a Democrat conflicting with the Republican-leaning administration.