Gold Cross EMS fired two employees on June 21 over a potentially “embarrassing” situation, according to a press release put out by the emergency services provider.
Neither employee was on duty at the time of the incident, according to the press release.
The ambulance company has served Columbia County for nearly 20 years.
The release did not name the two employees involved, but stated that: “No patients or other employees were hurt or involved – there is no current risk to the community in reference to any incident.”
Police records show that the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was contacted on June 20 by Gold Cross to report a theft. The complaint, obtained from the Sheriff’s Office, alleges that the two employees, Lesley Nelson and Chelsey Jackson, arrived at Fire Station #2, located at 704 Furys Ferry Road, in the early morning hours, where an operational ambulance was parked.
Nelson stated that Jackson arrived at Nelson’s residence highly intoxicated and asked to be driven to the fire station to obtain a syringe and needle so that she could inject herself with Zofran because she was feeling nauseated.
Zofran, according to the Mayo Clinic, is used to prevent nausea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Jackson admitted that she had obtained a vial of the medication from an unnamed nurse at an unnamed hospital.
Nelson agreed to drive Jackson to the fire station.
There is no allegation or indication in the police report that Nelson was intoxicated when the incident occurred.
Upon arrival, EMTs on duty refused to hand over a syringe, and that is when Nelson and Jackson allegedly entered the ambulance and stole the medical equipment and left the scene.
According to Major Steve Morris with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, investigators did request a warrant for arrest through Magistrate Court. Chief Magistrate Jason Troiano declined to issue an immediate warrant, but agreed to a pre-warrant hearing if Gold Cross wishes to press charges.
Michael Meyers, spokesman for Gold Cross, said the company decided to go ahead and issue a press release as an effort to be totally transparent.
“Gold Cross is a great company, and we continue in our efforts for commitment, accountability and transparency – as we continue to do our best to be the leading provider for emergency medical transportation in this community,” Meyers stated.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter and Editorial Page Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
