Paramedics Cleared After Man Mistakenly Declared Dead

Two Prince George's County paramedics on limited public contact since a man was mistakenly declared dead Friday received medical clearance to return to full duty.

Paramedics were called to a Glenarden home for a report of a possible deceased person early Friday afternoon. About 90 minutes after 70-year-old George Waters was declared dead, a forensics unit saw signs of life, and Waters was rushed to a hospital by another EMS unit, but family had already been notified of his death.

Waters died Saturday night -- he'd had complications from an infection -- and his family was informed of his death a second time. Prince George's County Fire and EMS began an investigation into the initial response.

Jurisdictional Medical Director Dr. Terry Jodrie interviewed the paramedics not long after the incident, and within 24 hours, all EMS personnel were required to review protocal when responding to reports of people presumed dead on arrival.

The Office of Professional Standards review continues, despite the paramedics' reinstatement. That review could take two months.

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