Police Investigate Possible EMS Criminal Conduct in Toddler's Death
Stephanie Stephens
D.C. police launched an investigation of D.C. Fire and EMS in connection with a toddler's death the day after 911 responders did not transport her to a hospital, Mayor Adrian Fenty's administration announced Thursday.
Stephanie Stephens' family summoned two ambulances to their Southeast home on Feb. 10 because the 2-year-old had trouble breathing. That morning, the family reportedly was advised to run a hot shower to help the girl's congestion. Nine hours later, the second ambulance transported Stephanie to Children's National Medical Center.
She died the next day.
The D.C. police special victims unit is investigating the possibility of criminal conduct or negligence surrounding the decision not to transport the girl the first time, News4's Derrick Ward reported. A senior paramedic under investigation about the decision not to transport the girl is on administrative no-contact status.
D.C. Fire and EMS already is conducting an investigation into the girl's death.
