Ambulance got lost, took dead runner to wrong ER (Chicago Marathon)

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

The ambulance transporting the only runner who died in the Chicago Marathon earlier this month got lost on the way to the hospital, had to flag down another ambulance to get directions and then ended up at the wrong emergency room, authorities said Tuesday.

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But the ambulance driver began heading south on Ashland -- away from the hospital. The crew claims it then radioed dispatchers seeking directions but got no response, Mueller said.

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Langford says there is no record the crew radioed in. He wondered why the crew didn't radio a suburban dispatch center or simply call 911 to get directions. Mueller said those steps weren't taken because after his crew had driven a couple of blocks, they flagged down a city ambulance and got directions.

However, the crew apparently drove by the UIC Medical Center, 1740 W. Taylor, because they were unable to find the emergency room entrance.

They ended up a few blocks away when they saw the emergency room sign for the West Side Veterans Administration Hospital at 820 S. Damen. That hospital is not part of Chicago's emergency response network, although it has a fully working ER, officials said.





Read more: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/616963,CST-NWS-MARATHON24.article

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As CBS 2 Investigator Dave Savini reports, the October 7 race was a scene of chaos. There was an ambulance shortage, dispatchers didn't have maps and in the case of fallen runner Chad Schieber, paramedics actually got lost.

Some are calling it an emergency meltdown. At the height of the heat and humidity, runners became dehydrated, collapsed and ambulances raced to help.

What you haven't heard about or seen is the chaos that erupted surrounding the emergency response.

The CBS 2 Investigators have learned maps to guide ambulances around marathon road closures were not immediately available. Dispatchers were heard over the radio shouting "We need maps! We have no maps down here!"

http://www.wbbm780.com/More-Details-Of-Marathon-Emergency-Response-Meltdo/1123132

I get the feeling the Chicago Marathon was one screwed up race with the heat, lack of water, etc.

[DS1]

1. I wonder if there's anything in our Federal spending that would outfit

every ambulance in the US with a GPS box.

Any ideas? Any?

[Xithras]

3. I wouldn't support that.

GPS navigators are neat, but anyone who owns one knows that they're not always correct. Up-to-date paper maps are.

The first time someone died because their ambulances GPS unit steered them down a dead end street, the family of the dead person would sue both the GPS manufacturer and the ambulance company for millions. Just as the family of this runner is about to do to that ambulance company.

GPS mapping units are reliable enough for general civilian usage, but not for emergency responders.

[ikojo]

6. At least in the St louis area, many ambulance

services are privately run, so the Feds would have no control over whether they had GPS units.

[Hondadriver]

7. doesnt need to be federal

I work for a county sheriff as a network tech and our units all have laptops with GPS, mapping, and other software. Also, just today a neighboring fire agency tied into our network with laptops with gps and mapping as well. Local tax dollars paid for all of this. Nothing from the feds at all.

[angstlessk]

8. The problem was the marathon itself ..it closed off roads and unless

the GPS system took into account the closed roads it would have been usless.

[Faygo Kid]

2. Sad stuff. The guy who died, from Midland, MI, was a good guy.

A bit fundamentalist for my tastes, but the community had nothing but good things to say about him, a cop for 12 years. Left a young family (three kids). Chad Schieber.

http://www.ourmidland.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18935668&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=578054&rfi=8

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

5. I Have One Word

LAWSUITS!!!

Lots & Lots Of LAWSUITS!!

[Robbien]

4. The Chicago Marathon is usually very well organized

The temperature was not expected at all. Heck I woke up and put on heavy sweats that day and didn't realize the problem until stepping outside.