Private ambulance driver leaves patient in Cleveland, calls ride home

A private ambulance driver in Cleveland, Ohio, is accused of leaving a patient in his vehicle on Wednesday evening. The woman was being transported to the Cleveland Clinic for chest pain when the incident occurred.

The driver told the patient he was done driving for the day. He then called an Uber to take himself home, according to reports.

Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees Local 1975 confirmed that a city EMS unit responded to the scene after the driver departed. Paramedics from the city service took over care of the woman and transported her to the hospital.

The driver worked for a private ambulance company, not for the Cleveland EMS department. A spokesperson for the private firm stated that patient safety is of the utmost importance to the organization.

The company said immediate steps were taken to address the matter and ensure the patient’s care needs were met. A review of the circumstances is currently underway.

CARE Local 1975 stated that it stands by its EMTs, paramedics, and dispatchers who strive to provide the best care to anyone in need.