Paramedics accused of charging tourists for emergency treatment

Fri, Sep 24th 2010, 09:00 AM

 

Two paramedics have been suspended following claims that they forced injured tourists to pay for treatment and transport to hospital.
The actions of the two-member crew are now being investigated by bosses at Emergency Medical Services.
It is  alleged that two visitors injured in a traffic accident were the victims of extortion - having been told they would have to pay up-front for treatment and transport.
The tourists were said to be riding a scooter at the time of the accident, but it is not known if another vehicle was involved.
EMS director Dr Avery Hanna confirmed the crew has been suspended pending furth ...

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

 

Two paramedics have been suspended following claims that they forced injured tourists to pay for treatment and transport to hospital.

The actions of the two-member crew are now being investigated by bosses at Emergency Medical Services.
It is  alleged that two visitors injured in a traffic accident were the victims of extortion - having been told they would have to pay up-front for treatment and transport.

The tourists were said to be riding a scooter at the time of the accident, but it is not known if another vehicle was involved.

EMS director Dr Avery Hanna confirmed the crew has been suspended pending further investigations.

Dr Hanna said the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), which oversees EMS, takes the allegations "extremely seriously" and has forwarded the matter to the disciplinary committee.

"As with any accusation, we have to ensure the appropriate investigation takes place," she said.

The director said the inquiry is in the advanced stages and will be finished in a matter of weeks, but declined to give further details until the final report is complete.

According to Tribune sources, the amount in question was $400, but Dr Hanna said she could not confirm or deny this.

She also declined to confirm when the accident took place, how serious the tourists' injuries were, or whether the incident occurred on West Bay Street as alleged.

Dr Hanna insisted that if the investigation uncovers evidence that the allegations are true, the PHA will take the "necessary or appropriate" action - which may include dismissal.

A source with knowledge of the Emergency Medical Services said this is only the latest in a series of allegations against staff.

"The public don't know about it, but there are a lot of allegations of stuff going down.

"If these claims are exposed, maybe someone will take a closer look at what is going on," the source said.

 

Click here to read more at The Tribune

charlene  Sat, 2010/09/25 - 07:21 AM

maybe they have to fire Dr Hanna is she cannot control her staff.


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