Paramedic Suspended for Declining Urgent Call

In Manitoba, paramedic Matthew Chorney has received a three-month suspension from the College of Paramedics for professional misconduct. The disciplinary panel found Chorney, 38, guilty of five charges, including a serious lack of professional judgment. This stems from his refusal to respond to an urgent call on March 23, 2023, for an 85-year-old woman experiencing breathing difficulties. Chorney decided not to attend the call as his shift was ending, despite being less than 10 minutes away. A significant delay occurred for another unit to respond, impacting the patient's care.

Chorney, who had 16 years of experience, was terminated by Shared Health in May 2023. The panel noted his lack of remorse and cooperation during the investigation. His defense cited personal struggles, including divorce and sleep deprivation, as reasons for his actions. However, the panel emphasized the unacceptability of his behavior for a regulated professional.

To have his license reinstated, Chorney must complete an ethics course, undergo an occupational assessment, and demonstrate competence with integrity. He was also ordered to pay $25,000 in costs for the college's investigation. The panel found his actions to be a pattern of behavior where he was uncaring about his professional obligations.