Hillsborough County will reopen its review of four paramedics facing discipline in the case of a stroke patient who died, saying it needs to know more about why the medics decided not to transport her during an emergency call.
County Administrator Mike Merrill announced the decision after the paramedics gave statements during closed hearings into the matter Tuesday at County Center. No questions were allowed during the hearing, a county spokeswoman said, and only the medics were allowed to speak.
"The additional review will allow us to ascertain the underlying reasons for the fire medics’ judgments and decisions," Merrill said in a news release, "as well as to determine any other contributing factors in this matter."
The leader of the local union representing the firefighters blasted Merrill after the hearings, complaining that he moved too soon to discipline them.
"Today is the first time my folks could tell their side of the story," said Derrik Ryan, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2294. "My guys are now fearful of running street calls because of what’s being threatened (against) them."