Pa. paramedic dies chasing mentally disturbed patient

By FireRescue1 Staff

BENSALEM, Pa. — A paramedic initially thought to have been killed in an altercation with a mentally disturbed patient suffered a heart attack, according to latest reports.

Daniel McIntosh, 39, was responding to a report of a suicidal person on Sunday night when the patient ran away. McIntosh gave chase and was found dead shortly afterward by crew members.

KYW said Monday afternoon that authorities have determined that McIntosh had a heart attack. It is not yet known whether the heart attack or head injuries sustained when he fell to the ground caused the death. 

There had earlier been conflicting media reports on the cause of death and whether the patient was involved.

The patient is now being treated for his mental illness and no charges have been filed against him, KYW said.  

McIntosh, a 13-year veteran of the Bucks County rescue squad, leaves behind a wife and two young children.