Ohio ambulance driver leaves patient behind and takes an Uber home
An ambulance driver in Cleveland, Ohio, abandoned a patient being taken to hospital after getting lost, and instead called an Uber and went home.
The incident happened last week as the patient, who had chest pain, was being transported to the Cleveland Clinic. According to a local broadcaster, the driver got lost, told the patient he was done driving for the day, and called an Uber.
The driver did not work for Cleveland EMS; he worked for a private ambulance company, Lynx EMS.
Once the driver had left, a Cleveland EMS unit responded to the scene, administered care to the patient and continued the journey to the hospital.
The Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees (Care) Local 1975 clarified in a statement that it was not a Cleveland EMS ambulance, but a provider working on a private ambulance, and that Cleveland EMS responded, administered care and transported the patient once that provider left.
A spokesperson for Lynx EMS told local media that upon becoming aware of the situation, immediate steps were taken to address the matter and ensure the patient's well-being and care needs were addressed.
The company added that it is continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and will take appropriate action based on the findings of that review, and that it cannot comment further because the matter involves personnel and patient-related issues.
