Ohio Ambulance Driver Leaves Patient and Calls Uber Home

A patient experiencing chest pain was left without ambulance transport in Cleveland, Ohio, after a private ambulance driver became lost while taking them to the Cleveland Clinic. The driver abandoned the journey, told the patient they had finished working for the day, and arranged an Uber ride home, according to local media reports.

The incident involved an employee of Lynx EMS, a private ambulance provider, rather than Cleveland Emergency Medical Services. A Cleveland EMS unit subsequently responded, provided medical assistance, and completed the patient's transportation to the hospital, according to the Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees (Care) Local 1975.

The circumstances were reported by local broadcaster KWTX, which described how the private ambulance journey ended before the patient reached the hospital.

"The ambulance driver got lost, told her he was done driving for the day, and called an Uber," KWTX reported.

The incident prompted clarification from Care Local 1975 about the identity of the ambulance service involved. The organization emphasized that the vehicle and driver were not affiliated with Cleveland EMS.

"We want to clarify it was NOT a Cleveland EMS ambulance, but rather a provider working on a private ambulance. Once that provider left, Cleveland EMS responded to the scene, administered care, and transported the patient to the hospital," Care Local 1975 said in a statement.

The response ensured that the patient received assistance and continued toward the Cleveland Clinic after the private ambulance driver left. The organization also distinguished the emergency response provided by Cleveland EMS from the original transportation service operated by Lynx EMS.

Lynx EMS addressed the incident in a statement to local media, saying its management had acted after learning what happened. The company said its immediate priority was addressing the situation and the patient's needs.

"Upon becoming aware of the situation, immediate steps were taken to address the matter and ensure the patient's well-being and care needs were addressed," a Lynx EMS spokesperson said.

The private ambulance provider also confirmed that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the driver's conduct. The company said further decisions would depend on the outcome of its internal review.

"We are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding this incident and will take appropriate action based on the findings of that review. As this involves personnel and patient related matters, we are unable to comment further," the Lynx EMS spokesperson added.

Lynx EMS did not provide additional details about the personnel involved or disclose what disciplinary measures might follow. The company's review of the incident remains ongoing, according to its statement.