Continuing Coverage
County manager investigating Collier ambulance delay
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Video by fox4now.com
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NAPLES, Fla. - The Collier County manager is investigating an ambulance delay uncovered by Fox 4, according to the a county commissioner's office.
"We lost a life here, a human life," said Charles Minard. "And to me, at this point, I feel like a human life is not worth much here in Collier county."
Fox 4's efforts to get Minard answers, after his son died from a cardiac arrest on Dec. 14, has been stonedwalled and ignored by Collier County EMS since we began asking questions two weeks ago.
Our review of documents shows an ambulance crew waited 5-6 minutes before leaving the station after they were dispatched to the Minard's home 3.5 miles away.
"Changes have to be made," said Minard. "We can't let somebody else die."
Last month, EMS Chief Walter Kopka promised Fox 4 and the family answers. Since then, he has ignored our phone calls. On Wednesday, we were there when Kopka called Minard.
"What do you have to hide?," asked Minard. "What are you hiding from me?"
According to Minard, Kopka agreed to meet with the family next Monday - but not to go over their own investigation into the ambulance delay.
Fox 4 also paid a visit to Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter office along with state Sen. Matt Hudson to see if they would weigh in.
Their aides promised me they will pass on Minard's concerns.
"I'm sure everybody would just like for me to go away," said Minard. "But that's not going to happen."
Matt Grant
mgrant@fox4now.com
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