Melisa Jackson, EMT Who Refused To Help Dying Pregnant Woman, Is Cleared Of All Charges; Supervisor Says She Didn't Violate 'Flag Down Rule'
Melisa Jackson, the Brooklyn EMT who refused to help a pregnant 25-year-old woman during an asthma attack, which led to her death, has been cleared of all criminal charges stemming from the matter. Tuesday's decision was based on EMS Chief Abdo Nahmod's change of opinion regarding Jackson's culpability.
The incident took place back in December 2009 when distressed workers from FDNY's Brooklyn Metrotech headquarters approached Jackson to ask for assistance with a co-worker, Eutisha Rennix, who was in the middle of a severe asthma attack, NY Daily News reported.
Jackson, who was on a coffee break with her boyfriend and fellow EMT Jason Green, decided her best course of action was to call 9-1-1. In the meantime, a six-month pregnant Rennix died along with her unborn child, while Jackson, who was dressed in her EMT uniform, finished her coffee.
At first, Nahmod argued that the EMT's callous actions or lack thereof were in direct violation of the "Flag Down Rule," which requires uniformed medical personnel to assist in dire matters if asked. A letter to prosecutors explaining the EMS chief's reverse decision stated that Jackson in fact did not violate the rule considering she wasn't assigned to an ambulance or special event at the time.
Cynthia Rennix, Eutisha's mother, called Nahmod's change of heart "disgraceful" and says that her family will still pursue the civil lawsuit they filed back in Sept. 10 against Jackson, the FDNY, and Long Island College Hospital.
"There should be justice done. Somebody has to take responsibility for what happened," Cynthia told the Daily news. "[Jackson] should have some kind of compassion. When asked if she would like to apologize to the Rennix family Jackson simply responded, 'Apologize for what exactly?'"
Throughout the duration of her criminal trial, Jackson has been assigned to clerical work instead of uniformed duty but she hopes to be given her old job back now that case has been dismissed.