Iowa Medic Facing Manslaughter Charges

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A medic formerly with the Sioux City Fire and Rescue is facing manslaughter charges following the death of a patient. Deanna LaMere, 46, is charged with a single count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of James Foster Jr., 26.

Foster was reportedly “freaking out and laying in the street rolling around” on August 18, 2023. Police on scene requested EMS and LaMere was the medic in charge of the responding unit. She reportedly thought she administered ketamine, but in reality administered rocuronium, a paralytic agent. LaMere immediately discovered her mistake, by Foster subsequently passed away.

KCAU quoted from court documents stating:

As a paramedic, the defendant is required to verify the medication before drawing it up and administering it. The defendant admitted she failed to do this.
After the defendant realized she had administered the wrong medication, she did not take the appropriate steps to notify anyone or treat the patient any different.