Iowa Medic Facing Manslaughter Charges

A medic formerly with the Sioux City Fire and Rescue is facing manslaughter charges following the death of a patient. Deanna LaMere, 46, is charged with a single count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of James Foster Jr., 26.

Foster was reportedly “freaking out and laying in the street rolling around” on August 18, 2023. Police on scene requested EMS and LaMere was the medic in charge of the responding unit. She reportedly thought she administered ketamine, but in reality administered rocuronium, a paralytic agent. LaMere immediately discovered her mistake, by Foster subsequently passed away.

KCAU quoted from court documents stating:

  • As a paramedic, the defendant is required to verify the medication before drawing it up and administering it. The defendant admitted she failed to do this.
  • After the defendant realized she had administered the wrong medication, she did not take the appropriate steps to notify anyone or treat the patient any different.

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

Tennessee Firefighter Charged With Impersonating Law Enforcement

A Tennessee firefighter is facing criminal charges that he used emergency lights and flashed his badge during a road rage incident several weeks ago. Henry Riegger, 22, has been charged by the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office with criminal impersonation, reckless driving, and violation of emergency light law.

Firefighter Accused of Calling in False Alarms

A New York volunteer firefighter is facing five felony charges related to calling in false alarms to 911. Cyril Uebbing, 23, was arrested by New York State Police following an investigation requested by the fire chief of the Hillside Fire Department.