Murder: Illinois Medics Charged

Case Closed?

Finley is heard yelling at Moore [the patient] to get up and walk out to the ambulance. “You’re gonna have to walk ’cause we ain’t carrying you!” she says. “I am seriously not in the mood for this dumb sh*t.” (CNN)

Earl L. Moore later died after he was restrained face down on the ambulance stretcher.

The coroner said, “Moore died of “compressional and positional asphyxia due to prone facedown restraint on a paramedic transportation cot/stretcher by tightened straps across back and lower body.”

Paramedics were called to the scene by police officers and much of the evidence is from their body cameras; they will also presumably be able to provide direct, eye-witness testimony.

The paramedics are employed by Life Star, “a for-profit, privately owned Ambulance Company” which charges a per call fee. Life Star is apparently under contract to the City of Springfield.

While the criminal and civil litigation plays out, the citizens of Springfield should be duly concerned that their elected leaders allowed pre-hospital emergency care to erode to such an alarming degree.

On another note, law enforcement body cameras are now providing a direct view of the provision of EMS care affording patients (and their lawyers) evidence of malfeasance when it occurs.

It is clear based on the officers body-worn camera footage that the patient was not able to walk and the medical personnel were not offering any assistance. (Springfield Police)

If Life Star employees are culpable, it’s unfortunate if accountability stops with the paramedics as the work culture would likely be a factor. What quality control and supervisory practices were in place to ensure a high level of care?`

Once again a government agency subcontracts an essential service while they assume ultimate liability with little control.