Advocates Say University Park, Texas Paramedics Shunned a Man with AIDS -- At an AIDS Awareness Rally

Ricardo Vasquez was attending an AIDS awareness rally on the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus recently when he had a seizure. Bystanders pulled out their cell phones and called 911. As the two fire department medics approached, someone informed them that Vasquez had AIDS, so they should avoid exposing themselves to his blood and saliva.

But instead of merely taking precautions, the medics "didn't want to touch him . . . they never did," said Sheila Dolezal, human resources director for AIDS Services of Dallas, who was at Vasquez's side, holding his head throughout the incident. David Parks, the organization's development director said, "They acted like they did not either want to help this man or did not care." Witnesses said the medics' clumsy attempt to draw blood caused Vasquez to bleed profusely, and that they dragged him by the shoulders down stone steps before placing him on a gurney.

"It amazes me this could happen in 2001," said Don Maison, president of AIDS Services, an HIV/AIDS housing and support organization where Vasquez lives. "This was callous." Maison, who is also a lawyer, took the statements of his staff members and sent them to University Park officials. In a letter, he asked the well-to-do suburb to take "steps to eliminate such unprofessional behavior in the future."

David Ledbetter, the city's fire chief, said he is conducting an internal review and conceded that there were problems with the city's response. He said he found problems with the paramedic's training and deficiencies with supplies. Responding to AIDS Services in a letter he delivered personally, Ledbetter said, "It is my responsibility to ensure professionalism and courtesy is extended to each of our customers." He said the two paramedics would attend additional training in handling seizures and that "all personnel will be given cultural diversity classes. I will solicit training that will re-educate each of us on HIV-sensitive issues."

Back to other CDC news for October 31, 2001

Previous Updates