B.C. Paramedic Didn't Steal Medication Or Health Card, Tribunal Rules

A Colombian complained that a paramedic searched his wardrobe and wallet. The Court of Civil Appeals ruled that there was no evidence to support this claim.

The BC Court of Civil Procedure has dismissed a small claims lawsuit against BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) after a man allegedly stole a health care provider's medication and provincial health insurance card.

The allegations date back to October 2021, when Richard Greenlaw was taken to hospital by ambulance. In the decision made on January 13, they said that the health worker visited had stolen things.

Greenlow is seeking $3,333 from the Provincial Health Services Administration, doing business as BCEHS, for drug reimbursements and compensation.

BCEHS denied Greenlaw's claims and requested his dismissal. Greenlaw said he cannot prove the allegations because there is no evidence.

BCEHS also said the health worker refused to accept Greenlaw's medication and health card and was unsure when Greenlaw's medication was removed from his home.

complaint

Greenlaw says they called 911 and were told they had passed out. The operator was told that unless the door was opened, the paramedics could find a key under the front mattress.

"Upon arrival, the paramedics allegedly searched her locker and took her medication, then searched her wallet and took her health card without her knowledge and consent," Judge Megan Stewart wrote in the statement.

Greenlow said the incident occurred on Oct. 8, 2021, while BCEHS records show it occurred on Oct. 7, 2021.

"I believe the BCEHS records are more reliable than Mr. Greenlaw's recollection because Mr. Greenlaw admits that the knowledge and experience is outside," Stewart said.

The problem with Greenlaw's case, the court said, was that BCEHS failed to prove that he mishandled his personal property.

"They say the paramedic took his medicine and health card without his knowledge or consent, but they provide no evidence."

An affidavit from BCEHS details that a paramedic arrived at the Greenlaw residence. He describes Greenlow as having a low level of sensitivity.

"It appears that the paramedic used his computer at Mr. Greenlaw's home to record Mr. Greenlaw's personal health number and date of birth," Stewart said. “Finally, he explained that the paramedic did not have Mr. Greenlaw's medicine or health card with him when he took him to the hospital, and that he never stole the medicine or the patient's ID.

Stewart found that the paramedic did nothing wrong and that BCEHS was not responsible for the cost of the missing medication.

Stewart said Greenall told him to ignore the evidence provided by BCEHS because "some" of it breached doctor-patient confidentiality and could be defamatory.

"Mr. Greenlaw did not cite the evidence that he cited," Stewart said, adding that all BCEHS evidence is relevant.

"I refuse Mr. Greenlaw's request to scrap the BCEHS tests and remove the CRT from the system," he said.

jhainsworth@glaciermedia.ca

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