A 911 tape made available to the public has many people outraged.
Dispatcher: “Is there anybody there willing to help this lady and not let her die?”
Nurse: “Not at this time.”
A registered nurse at an independent living facility in Bakersfield refused to perform CPR on an 87-year old because it was against the policy of Glenwood Gardens.
Instead, she dialed 911 and waited for paramedics to arrive. A choice which possibly cost the elderly woman her life.
“If I was at a job to where they said if somebody is dying just let it go, I would say I have to find another job,” said Johnny Osburne of Fresno.
The executive director of Glenwood Gardens defended his employee, saying she followed company protocol.
"Our practice is to immediately call emergency medical personnel for assistance and to wait with the individual needing attention until such personnel arrives," said Jeffrey Toomer, Executive Director of Glenwood Gardens.
“That’s something people need to look at. What's your policy when something goes wrong?” said Clint Fowler, G.M. of Fairwinds Woodward Park.
Fairwinds Woodward Park is a residential and assisted living complex in northeast Fresno. Its company philosophy does allow employees to give CPR.
“In any case, the team would have started resuscitation and would have aided that client as best as possible,” said Fowler.
“We advise everyone to act, do something and be that hero who can save a life,” said Alex Villa of the Central Valley American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross recommends everyone become CPR certified.
“It's relatively easy to learn. Most families can send one person in and within 3 to 5 hours we can have you trained in CPR. It’s a necessary skill when dealing with someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest,” said Villa.
CPR is typically not used when a person is in hospice care or has a Do Not Resuscitate order on file. The Bakersfield woman reportedly did not have a D.N.R.
CBS47 Legal Analyst Carl Faller encourages everyone to have directives clearly written out to simplify things should a life or death situation arise.
“Because if they have that then they don't have to rely on anyone else to make those decisions for them,” said CBS47 Legal Analyst Carl Faller.
Faller says it's important to note, nobody is legally obligated to help save someone from dying. But if you do, there are Good Samaritan laws which can protect you from being sued.
