Distractions, Overtime Fatigue Are Factors in Mistake

The chief of the Punta Gorda (Fla.) Police Department took part of the blame for a dispatcher’s mistake that created a 28-minute delay in an ambulance response that ended with an elderly woman’s death. Chief Albert Arenal said dispatcher Nancy Morris will receive a written reprimand for her error, which he called “inexcusable,” but which he also said wasn’t serious enough for termination. “We’re not going to throw out the baby with the bath water,” Arenal said, noting that Morris has six years of exemplary service. Morris answered a phone call from an allied agency about an unconscious woman last month, and dispatched EMS personnel promptly. However, Morris assumed the call was from the county sheriff, and that the sheriff’s dispatcher had already dispatched an ambulance. In fact, the call came from Lifei Care Center, and no ambulance was enroute. The mistake wasn’t noticed until 14 minutes later, creating the delay. Chief Arenal took some of the blame, noting that Morris was distracted by non-dispatchers in the comm center, and was fatigued after working nightshift overtime. He said he’ll be changing policies to eliminate both of those problems. Watch a TV report here.