A video is raising more questions about the actions of first responders in the case of a Metro Atlanta teenager’s death.
The incident occurred on December 5th when 15-year-old Amanda Sylvester collapsed during volleyball practice and was initially reported as having an allergic reaction.
According to Atlanta News First, newly-released video footage from Fulton County shows that an ambulance arrived on the scene within five minutes of the initial 911 call, yet Sylvester did not reach the hospital for nearly an hour.
College Park Fire and Rescue EMTs arrived within five minutes but did not transport Sylvester, citing state regulations that limit their ability to act without a licensed paramedic.
Grady EMS, the ambulance service contracted for emergency transport, was experiencing a “Level 0” status at the time of the incident, meaning no units were available.
Under Georgia law, College Park Fire and Rescue could have transported Sylvester in the absence of an available ambulance, Grady EMS said.
Grady EMS argues that this situation qualified as an exception to the regulation, and the teen could have been taken to the hospital by College Park’s EMTs.
Forty-three minutes after the initial 911 call, Sylvester’s mother drove her to the hospital herself. Sylvester suffered cardiac arrest and passed away later that evening.
