Clyde Holt vs. City of Memphis

This is a wrongful death case. The plaintiff called 911 after his mother experienced difficulty breathing and passed out. When the paramedics arrived, the plaintiff's mother had regained consciousness. After examining her, the paramedics told the plaintiff that his mother was not sick enough to be transported to the hospital. The plaintiff asked that his mother be transported to the hospital, but nevertheless signed a form refusing transport to the hospital. A few hours later the plaintiff's mother's condition worsened. When the paramedics returned, they found the mother unconscious, and immediately took her to the hospital. She died seven days later. The plaintiff filed a wrongful death suit, alleging that the paramedics were negligent in not transporting his mother to the hospital on their first run. The trial court found the paramedics negligent and awarded the plaintiff a money judgment. We reverse, holding that the plaintiff was required to establish by expert testimony the standard of care for the paramedics