A patient being transported by a private ambulance service was abandoned near a gas station in Ohio on October 28, according to a report by FOX 8. Lema Tackett-Kuscmaul, 50, was en route from Toledo to Cleveland Clinic when the unnamed paramedic driving the LYNX ambulance reportedly became lost due to GPS issues.
Tackett-Kuscmaul told FOX 8 that the paramedic exited the vehicle, leaving her and another EMT in the back. She recounted the incident in a 911 call, stating, "Please get someone out to help me. I’m begging you. She said she’s done driving. She said she’s taking an Uber. She’s leaving us."
She was being transferred to Cleveland Clinic to receive treatment for a spinal injury sustained in June. During the 911 call, Tackett-Kuscmaul described the situation as "total chaos."
The Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees (CARE) clarified that the incident did not involve Cleveland EMS paramedics, but a private ambulance provider. A CARE spokesperson confirmed that Cleveland EMS responded to the scene after the private provider left, administered care, and transported the patient the rest of the way to the hospital.
A spokesperson for LYNX EMS stated that patient safety and quality care are of utmost importance. The company confirmed that it has initiated an review of the circumstances surrounding the incident and is determining appropriate actions. Information regarding the status of the paramedic who left the ambulance was not released.
Cleveland EMS Deputy Commissioner Chris Chapin, who has 31 years of experience, told FOX 8 that he had never encountered a similar incident and expressed that he hoped their own personnel would never be in a situation where they would abandon a patient.
Tackett-Kuscmaul described her overall experience as "horrible" but praised the 911 operator for staying on the phone with her until the Cleveland EMS crew arrived. She also stated that those who assisted her until she was safely transferred to the hospital were "wonderful."