DC Firefighters Investigated For Delaying Response to Chest Pain Call

Posted by: Curt Varone March 31, 2023 0

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.
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