WASHINGTON — Two D.C. Fire and EMS firefighters were reassigned for failing to diagnose a gunshot wound on a patient they had treated and transported to a hospital Saturday.
The Washington Post reported that they were reassigned to duties away from patient care following a preliminary investigation into the incident.
During the call, firefighters located one person with a gunshot wound and transported that patient. They also found and examined a second patient they believed was high on PCP and took that patient to a hospital. Hospital staff treating the second patient found at least one gunshot wound, according to the report.
“Our initial investigation has determined that the patient exam conducted by our personnel was not sufficient. The members have been reassigned for additional training,” agency spokesman Timothy Wilson said. “There was a breakdown in upholding our standard in this incident; we must be diligent and thorough. The first leg in achieving and maintaining our standard of patient care starts with training.”
Ed Smith, president of the firefighters union, did not comment.