Paramedics with Chatham-Kent EMS are under investigation after they were seen apparently either loading a pool table onto the back of an ambulance or unloading it.
The Manager of Corporate Communications for Medavie Health Services, which operates Chatham-Kent EMS, said Medavie is aware of an incident that took place on November 29 involving an ambulance and paramedic crew but would not share the circumstances behind the controversy.
"We are proud of the work our paramedics do, every day, to deliver critical health care services - especially given the additional challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Jacqueline Zonneville in a statement to Blackburn News. "We understand and share the disappointment expressed by those in our community and take these matters very seriously. We are formally reviewing the details surrounding this incident to ensure appropriate actions are taken."
Zonneville wouldn't elaborate what those actions might be, saying it's a personnel and human resources matter, which falls under privacy protection laws. She also said there won't be any further information released, again citing privacy. Zonneville said the only way ambulances can be used in that manner is when they're out of service and the event, such as a local toy drive, is sanctioned by management. She wouldn't say if this incident was cleared to take place.
"We value the public’s trust in our profession and place people’s health and safety as our top priority," she added.
Chatham-Kent EMS posted on its Facebook late Sunday night that it's aware of an incident that took place involving an Ambulance and Paramedic crew.
"We take these matters very seriously and are reviewing the incident," the post said. "We truly appreciate the trust and respect that the public holds for the paramedic profession. We are proud of the work our paramedics do every day to gain public trust while delivering critical health care services, especially given the additional challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic."
It's unclear if this is a fireable offence.
Many people on social media criticized the paramedics for having a dirty pool table in the back of an ambulance meant for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some pointed out that it's an ambulance and not a moving van.