On May 24, 2020, Andrea Morris, a nurse working at the City of Hope Cancer Infusion Center in Upland, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at her workplace.
Despite being in a medical facility surrounded by her colleagues, including two other nurses, a medical assistant, and two doctors, no one administered CPR immediately.
Initially, Andrea had expressed concerns about possibly having COVID-19, fearing might infect her children, but her actual medical emergency was a cardiac arrest.
Medical Mismanagement and Response
During the emergency, the supervising nurse not only failed to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest but also mistakenly identified the situation as a seizure. This critical misjudgment delayed the appropriate medical response.
The nursing supervisor recorded the event on her cell phone while calling 911, instead of providing necessary medical aid. Moreover, equipment like a defibrillator and oxygen was readily available yet remained unused during the crisis.
Legal Implications and Trial
The lack of immediate medical response has led to severe consequences for Andrea Morris, who is now a quadriplegic requiring 24/7 care, which costs over $200,000 annually.
The incident spurred a lengthy legal battle, with a focus on the denial of workers’ compensation claims and the alleged medical negligence by the healthcare staff present during the incident.
Shocking testimonies have emerged in the ongoing trial, including one doctor’s admission of not being qualified to perform CPR.
Financial and Personal Impact
Following the incident, Andrea’s medical and rehabilitation expenses forced her family to make significant financial sacrifices, including selling her home and liquidating her 401(k).
The once active nurse and marathon runner has lost her livelihood and much of her independence, now living with her elderly parents who, along with her two sons, help care for her.
Institutional Response
The City of Hope has expressed its sympathy for Andrea’s plight but has refrained from extensive comments due to the ongoing litigation. Their response highlights the priority of maintaining a safe working environment, yet this incident raises questions about the actual preparedness and response protocols in place.
The Call for Better Training
The case has highlighted a crucial need for all nurses to be adequately prepared to perform CPR, a point stressed by Nurse Alma Harris, who eventually provided Andrea with chest compressions long after the emergency began.
The trial also exposed potential issues within the workplace culture at City of Hope, including fears among staff about speaking out.