State Clears EMS Workers In Hazelwood Snow Death

The snow outside Sharon Edge's Hazelwood home has melted, but the harsh reality of the February storm that changed her life forever has grown even more painful. "It's been hard on me. I don't eat. I don't sleep," said Edge.

A report released Friday from the Pennsylvania Department of Health found Pittsburgh EMS workers did not violate state law in the death of her common law husband, Curtis Mitchell, 50.

Mitchell died at the couple's Chaplain Way home Feb. 7 after 10 calls were made to 911 over a 30-hour period. Medics claimed they couldn't get near the house in the deep snow. At one point they asked Mitchell to walk to an ambulance four blocks away, but he was in too much pain. "I don't know where they're coming up with these findings. I was here. I was with him. I know what went down and how he stayed there waiting for paramedics," said Edge. "I blame them for his death."

The city is conducting its own investigation and has yet to decide if the EMS workers will be disciplined, but Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he disagrees with the state ruling. "The paramedics should have gotten out of the vehicle and assisted Curtis Mitchell in a more effective way and ultimately would have prevented him passing away," Ravenstahl said.

Edge said she is anxious to learn the results of the city's own investigation, but has contacted an attorney and said she may file a civil lawsuit against the city.

Previous Stories: March 1, 2010: New 911 Changes Go Into Effect Following Hazelwood Man's Death February 17, 2010: Pittsburgh Changes 911 Call Handling After Hazelwood Man's Death

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