OSWEGO -- Action News has learned that the State Health Department is reviewing a complaint against the Oswego Fire Department's ambulance service. Sources say that paramedics refused to transport a female patient to the hospital on Wednesday. The woman was forced to call a private ambulance service. When she arrived at the hospital, sources tell us she needed emergency treatment.
State Health Department spokesperson Jeffrey Hammond confirms the department is "aware of a matter similar to what was described" by our sources. Hammond says the complaint is "under review" by the Health Department. Article 30 of the state's public health law says ambulance services have no right to refuse service to a patient.
Zack Menter of Menter Ambulance Service confirms they transported the woman but refused to give specifics because of confidentiality laws. He did say that Menter Ambulance Service did not lodge the complaint with the Health Department.
First Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey McCrobie says he is “unable to comment because the investigation is ongoing.” Chief McCrobie says he “can’t confirm or deny anything.”
Action News did speak with Oswego Common Councilor Bill Sharkey, who says that there has been a bone of contention regarding overtime between some of the Common Councilors and the Fire Department. It is unclear whether overtime issues had anything to do with this complaint against the fire department's ambulance service.
We have put in a call to Oswego Mayor Randolph Bateman for comment, but have not yet received a response.
