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Arbitrator upholds firing of Ohio FF-medic for using large needle on 13-year-old

The arbitrator said the firefighter gave varying accounts of the incident and failed to contain her emotions during the call

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By Laura French

LANCASTER, Ohio — An arbitrator has upheld an Ohio city’s decision to fire a firefighter-medic for reportedly using a larger needle than necessary on an intoxicated 13-year-old patient.

The city of Lancaster terminated Firefighter Teresa Forson after a four-month investigation into the incident, during which the teenager was reportedly uncooperative with firefighters and medics, according to the Lancaster Eagle Gazette.

The arbitrator cited Forson’s varying accounts of what happened and her failure to contain her emotions during the call in their decision to uphold her firing.

IAFF Local 291 President Pete Anson said the union disagreed with the decision, which is binding and cannot be appealed.

Another firefighter involved in the incident was suspended but not terminated.

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