Who would think that two firefighters would get in trouble after taking a little girl to the hospital? That’s right–no one. Apparently, however, this is what happened when Brian Nunamaker was driving home after running errands on February 27 with his 18-month-old daughter when she began to have a seizure.
He ended up calling 911 after pulling over. When two volunteer firefighters, Captain James Kelley and Sgt. Virgil Bloom, arrived to help, they asked the father a few questions before taking her to the hospital, according to Fox 5 DC. Kelley claimed the nearest medic wouldn’t arrive in time, so he didn’t want to take any chances. Sadly, Bloom and Kelley are both being suspended, because the fire truck they used that day was licensed as a “non-transport unit,” meaning it lacked the necessary restraints and medications.
So does this mean both men should have let the little girl possibly die, or suffer other health consequences, as a result–especially if the father consented to letting them transport her? Nunamaker has stated how terrible he feels for the fact that the men who saved his daughter’s life are now being punished:
“They simply had the best interests for our daughter’s care in mind. We are extremely thankful they made the decisions they did, and that our daughter is back home with us doing well. The actions of these men represent a dedication to their mission, and a deep concern of doing what is best for the people they are serving.”
2 volunteer firefighters suspended for taking child to hospital in engine. Should they be? https://t.co/hVvfsdx2pN
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) March 5, 2016
That being said, even the doctors who helped the little girl supported the firefighters’ decision, since timing is essential when reacting to seizures. Kelley and Bloom transported the little girl to the hospital in just 13 minutes–which could be part of the reason why she is back at home and hasn’t suffered any other health scares. While I understand the fact that there could have been liabilities if something happened on the way to the hospital, it’s better to take action than stand by idly. And really, sometimes things don’t go as planned even when the vehicle, whether an ambulance or firetruck, is properly licensed.
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