Dallas Medics on Probation amid Patient Care Probe

Four paramedics have had their licenses placed on probation amid a state investigation into Dallas Fire-Rescue involving patient care complaints dating to 2016.

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that the Texas Department of Health Services has launched a probe into the agency and that the four paramedics have been on probation since April. All four are still with the department and performing their normal duties.

Included in the investigation is the treatment of Tony Timpa, who died in police custody in August 2016. Officers had responded to a 9-1-1 call from Timpa, who was mentally ill and in distress. Timpa was handcuffed and pleading for his life when he fell unconscious as officers had him pinned face down on the ground.

Dallas Fire-Rescue medics were on scene but did not intervene or render aid when Timpa fell unconscious.

“I was unable to assess the patient due to his combativeness,” one of the responders said in an affidavit, according to the Morning News.

The paramedics could face more serious discipline if violations are uncovered in the probe.