Knoxville Fire Department disciplines Three Employees After Mistaken Death Pronouncement
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Three Knoxville fire Department (KFD) employees have been disciplined following an incident in july where a woman was mistakenly pronounced dead, KFD assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks confirmed Monday.
On July 25th, at approximately 1:30 p.m., KFD responded to a call at a residence on rondo Road. First responders initially pronounced a woman deceased.However, a short time later, an investigator with the knox County Regional Forensic Center arrived and observed signs of life. The investigator, Kenzie Sellers, administered Narcan, successfully reviving the woman.
“We don’t train for this,” said Chris Thomas, chief administrative officer at the Knox County Regional Forensics Center, describing sellers’ speedy action.
Following the incident, the three KFD employees from Engine 15 were placed on administrative duties pending an internal investigation. That investigation has now concluded, with Fire Chief stan Sharp issuing an eight-day suspension to each employee. They have as returned to duty after completing additional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training, Wilbanks stated.
The Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services is currently conducting its own investigation into the matter, and wilbanks indicated that further disciplinary action may be taken based on their findings.