Body camera footage has been released in the case of two Illinois EMTs charged with first-degree murder following the death of a 35-year-old patient in their care.
This is not the first high-profile case of charges filed against EMS providers in recent years. In 鈥淢alpractice or murder: When do EMS providers cross the line from negligence to crime?鈥�, Page, Wolfberg & Wirth attorneys Doug Wolfberg, Esq., and Steve Wirth, Esq., break down the facts of the case and the important lessons to be learned for EMS professionals nationwide, and explain why bodycam footage carries substantial weight in determining criminal charges. The two also discuss how a guilty verdict comes down to a 鈥済uilty state of mind.鈥�
Are first-degree murder charges warranted in this case? Should EMS providers be protected from criminal charges when caring for patients? Share your thoughts with us at editor@ems1.com to be included in our ongoing coverage of this case.
By Leila Merrill
SA国际传媒
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. 鈥� Two Lifestar EMS employees, Peter Cadigan and Peggy Finley, are facing first-degree murder charges,
The Sangamon County State鈥檚 Attorney, Dan Wright, said that Earl L. Moore Jr., 35, died in their care in December.
On Dec. 18, police officers arrived at Wright鈥檚 home, . They called for EMS.
The patient, who may have been experiencing hallucinations, was placed face-down on a stretcher and restrained across his back and lower body. The coroner鈥檚 report said that Wright鈥檚 cause of death was compression and positional asphyxia.
He was pronounced dead at a HSHS St. John鈥檚.
Both Cardigan and Finley are being held in the Sangamon County Jail on a $1 million bond.