Two paramedics have been arrested in Sussex, England, after they were heard allegedly deciding not to resuscitate Barry Baker, 59, a man with a disability, who subsequently died. Paramedics were overheard saying "words to the effect that he was not worth saving," according to a police source.
Baker had called 999, saying he suspected he was having a heart attack. An operator remained on the line while an ambulance was dispatched. When paramedics arrived, Mr. Baker had collapsed and was unresponsive, but the line was still open and being recorded, allowing the operator to overhear the paramedic's remarks when they arrived.
The ambulancemen were allegedly heard making disparaging remarks about Baker's home, then agreeing not to resuscitate Baker and to tell ambulance control that he was dead when the ambulance arrived. Operators were so disturbed after overhearing this morbid conversation that they contacted senior management, who turned the matter over to the Sussex police.
A police spokeswoman said: "The men, aged 35 years and 44 years and
from the Brighton area, have been arrested and questioned following the
death of a man in Brighton.
"They were detained on suspicion of
willfully neglecting to perform a duty in public office, contrary to
Common Law. They have been released on police bail pending further
inquiries."
Mr. Baker is said to have been popular in his hometown, and enjoyed playing cards with friends at the local pub every Sunday. A memorial service will be held January 16th.
Related: Mother arrested in suspected "mercy killing" of daughter with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Photo courtesy EMS_EMT
Filed under: death, disabilism, euthanasia, crime, england, mercy killing, disability abuse, barry baker, cruelty, united kingdom, arrest, paramedics
