Now ex-Memphis EMTs who responded to assist Tyre Nichols on Jan. 7 failed to follow policies and procedures, Memphis Fire Chief Gina Sweat told city council members.
She noted that firefighters dispatched to the incident were not told it involved a seriously injured person, according to WREG.
The chief said they were sent for a person who had been pepper-sprayed and found Nichols propped up against a cruiser.
“They should have done a more thorough assessment when they were on the scene,” she said, adding that they failed to follow policies and procedures to render aid...Obviously, they did not perform at the level that we expect or at the level the citizens of Memphis deserve.”
EMT-Basic Robert Long, EMT-Advanced JaMichael Sandridge and Lt. Michelle Whitaker were fired. The lieutenant never got out the engine, reports indicated.
Prior to their termination, they were relieved of duty and placed in a remedial training program.
EMS Chief Angie Sullivan said even without viewing the video, it was determined the EMTs violated protocols.
“Any time there is a large incident we do a quick review, we will pull the documentation and do a quick review of protocols to make sure they were followed. We did that as with this case and immediately placed personnel on remediation just based on precautionary to make sure the skill level met,” Sullivan told the council.
Nichols died Jan. 10, three days after he was beaten by Memphis police officers following a traffic stop. Five officers have been charged with murder.
