IRENE SOFFIN V CITY OF LIVONIA FIRE & RESCUE
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STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
IRENE SOFFIN and LORI NORTHEY,
UNPUBLISHED
July 3, 2001
Plaintiffs-Appellants,
and
SELECTCARE,
Intervening Plaintiff,
v
CITY OF LIVONIA FIRE AND RESCUE
DEPARTMENT, DANIEL LEE, LAWRENCE
MOSIER, HURON VALLEY AMBULANCE,
INC., SHERRI BOWMAN and STEVEN HILL,
No. 219880
Wayne Circuit Court
LC No. 97-714614-NI
Defendants-Appellees.
Before: Smolenski, P.J., and Jansen and Fitzgerald, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
Plaintiffs appeal as of right from the trial court’s orders granting defendants’ motions for
summary disposition.1 We affirm in part and reverse in part.
I. Factual Background
In late September and early October 1996, plaintiff Irene Soffin was hospitalized for an
angioplasty procedure at Providence Hospital. That procedure involved an incision in Soffin’s
upper right leg, near the groin area. On October 2, 1996, Soffin’s physicians discharged her from
Providence. Soffin’s daughter, plaintiff Lori Northey, picked up Soffin from the hospital,
arriving home some time between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.2 As Soffin attempted to exit
1
The trial court allowed Selectcare to intervene as a plaintiff shortly before it entertained
defendants’ motions for summary disposition. Because Selectcare did not appeal from the trial
court’s orders, this opinion will refer to Irene Soffin and Lori Northey as plaintiffs.
2
The record provided on appeal does not reveal the exact time when plaintiffs arrived home.
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Northey’s vehicle, she experienced a popping sensation in her right groin area.3 Northey
inspected the incision site in Soffin’s groin area and discovered a large black and blue swelling
that she estimated to be the size of a grapefruit. Northey testified that she called 911 for medical
assistance, within five or ten minutes after discovering the swelling. She also testified that she
informed the 911 operator that Soffin had recently undergone angioplasty, that there was a black
and blue swelling in Soffin’s groin area, and that Soffin was pale, sweating, and in pain.
Records indicate that Northey called 911 at approximately 3:34 p.m. In response, the
City of Livonia Fire and Rescue Department (“LF&R”) dispatched an ambulance staffed by
Daniel Lee and Lawrence Mosier, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Lee
was the senior EMT on the call, responsible for making final decisions regarding patient care and
for completing the ambulance report. Mosier was responsible for monitoring the patient’s vital
signs. Under LF&R policy, Lee and Mosier were authorized to transport patients to one of three
hospitals: Botsford, St. Mary’s, and Garden City.4 Apparently, LF&R developed this policy in
order to permit the Livonia firefighters / EMTs to remain close to their service area in case of a
fire emergency.
Lee and Mosier arrived at plaintiffs’ home at approximately 3:35 p.m. When they
arrived, plaintiffs reported Soffin’s recent angioplasty procedure, painful swelling near the
incision in Soffin’s right groin area, and a feeling of general weakness. At 3:37 p.m., Mosier
took Soffin’s vital signs and discovered that her pulse rate was 120, her blood pressure was
182/90, and her skin felt warm to the touch. Further, Mosier recalled that Soffin was flush (not
pale) and that she was diaphoretic (very sweaty) when they arrived at the scene. Lee did not
remember the size or color of the swelling in Soffin’s groin area, but Mosier recalled that it was
about the size of a grapefruit, and appeared mostly red with a slight bruising. Neither Lee nor
Mosier believed that Soffin was displaying signs of shock when they assessed her condition.
The witnesses dispute what happened next. According to Lee, he offered to transport
Soffin to Botsford, the closest medical facility, but Soffin refused that offer several times.
Instead, Soffin expressed a desire to return to Providence Hospital, the facility from which she
had just been discharged. According to Mosier, Lee asked Soffin whether she had a hospital
preference. Soffin responded that she desired transport to Providence because her doctor
practiced there. Lee told her that LF&R firefighters were not authorized to transport patients to
Providence. In response, Soffin and Northey specifically refused transport to Botsford, St.
Mary’s, or Garden City, insisting on transport to Providence. In fact, Mosier testified that
Northey was “very adamant” about not going anywhere but Providence. Northey stated that if
Lee and Mosier would not take Soffin to Providence, she would do so herself. As a result, Lee
3
Due to her medical condition, Soffin does not recall the facts surrounding this incident.
Therefore, plaintiffs’ testimony was supplied solely by Northey.
4
Lee testified that Botsford was approximately two minutes from plaintiffs’ home, St. Mary’s
was between five and seven minutes away, and Garden City was between seven and fifteen
minutes away. Lee further testified that Providence was approximately twenty minutes from
plaintiffs’ home, depending on traffic conditions. Northey testified that she was aware, at the
time of the incident, that Botsford and St. Mary’s were both closer to her home than Providence.
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called the Livonia dispatcher to request a private ambulance that could transport Soffin to
Providence.
Northey disputes Lee and Mosier’s version of events and denies that she insisted on
Soffin’s transport to Providence. Rather, she testified that Lee informed her that both Botsford
and St. Mary’s were full and accepting emergencies only. In response, Northey asked Lee and
Mosier to transport Soffin to Providence, where the angioplasty had been performed. Lee
responded that Providence was outside his jurisdiction. Northey testified that she then offered to
pay Lee and Mosier if they would transport Soffin to Providence. They informed her that they
could not do so. Northey then asked Lee and Mosier to place Soffin into her vehicle so that she
could transport Soffin to Providence herself. Lee and Mosier refused to do so. Northey testified
that she then gave Lee and Mosier consent to transport Soffin to any hospital that was
appropriate. She denied that she insisted on Soffin’s transport to Providence Hospital. Rather,
she testified that she wanted Soffin transported “to whatever hospital she needed to go to.”
According to Northey, Lee and Mosier responded by stating that they would call a private
ambulance to transport Soffin to Providence.
In any event, Lee contacted the Livonia dispatcher, who in turn contacted Huron Valley
Ambulance, Inc. (“HVA”), requesting transport for Soffin to Providence. When Lee called the
dispatcher, he classified Soffin as a priority three patient, meaning that she was in stable
condition and that she was not in shock. Although Mosier played no role in that classification,
he agreed with Lee’s decision that Soffin was a priority three patient. Lee further testified that he
waited for the HVA ambulance only because he believed that Soffin’s condition was stable.
While waiting for the second ambulance, Mosier took Soffin’s vital signs a second time
and discovered that they remained unchanged. Both Lee and Mosier denied that they observed
any change in Soffin’s condition while waiting for the HVA ambulance to arrive. Further,
Mosier testified that the swelling in Soffin’s groin area did not increase during the wait for the
HVA ambulance. Lee testified that, if he had noticed a change in Soffin’s condition, he would
have canceled the private ambulance and would have transported Soffin to one of the three
closest hospitals, whether or not plaintiffs agreed.
HVA’s records reveal that it received the call at 3:43 p.m., approximately eight minutes
after the LF&S firefighters first arrived at plaintiffs’ home. HVA paramedics Sherri Bowman
and Steven Hill arrived at the scene at 3:56 p.m., thirteen minutes after receiving the call from
the Livonia dispatcher and twenty-one minutes after the LF&S firefighters arrived at the scene.
Upon their arrival, Bowman and Hill assessed Soffin’s condition and observed the following
symptoms: pale and sweaty skin, hematoma (collection of blood under the skin), and oriented but
groggy. Soffin also complained that she was cold and dizzy. Bowman took Soffin’s vital signs
and discovered a pulse rate of 140, but was unable to obtain a blood pressure reading. Bowman
recorded that the swelling in Soffin’s groin area was eight inches wide, eight inches long, two
inches high off the skin, and purple in color.
Plaintiffs adamantly conveyed their hospital preference to Bowman and Hill. Soffin
specifically stated that she was treated at Providence and that’s where she wanted to return.
Northey stated that she wanted Soffin to go to Providence because that’s where her doctor was
and that she would take Soffin there herself if HVA didn’t take her to Providence. Bowman also
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testified that Northey was “very anxious, very upset, and determined to get her way.” Due to
plaintiffs’ insistence, Bowman and Hill decided to transport Soffin to Providence.
Bowman and Hill elevated Soffin’s legs and applied pressure to the hematoma, in an
attempt to move some of the collected blood back toward the heart and other organs. They also
attempted to establish an intravenous line in order to replace some of the fluids in Soffin’s
system, but were unsuccessful. With the help of the LF&S firefighters, Bowman and Hill then
transported Soffin to the ambulance. Bowman tried twice more to place an intravenous line, but
was unsuccessful. At 4:14 p.m., after approximately eighteen minutes on the scene, Bowman
and Hill left plaintiffs’ residence, arriving at Providence at 4:25 p.m. Upon arrival at the
hospital, it was discovered that Soffin had suffered a hemorrhage in her groin area that caused
permanent injuries.
II. Procedural Background
Plaintiffs filed suit alleging gross negligence, willful misconduct, and negligent infliction
of emotional distress. For purposes of plaintiffs’ suit, defendants fell within two separate
categories: the LF&R defendants (LF&R, Lee, and Mosier) and the HVA defendants (HVA,
Bowman, and Hill). Plaintiffs alleged that the LF&S defendants were grossly negligent because
Lee and Mosier: (1) failed to treat Soffin’s condition, (2) failed to transport Soffin to
Providence, as requested, (3) failed to transport Soffin to any hospital, and (4) failed to inform
HVA of Soffin’s life-threatening condition. Plaintiffs alleged that the HVA defendants were
grossly negligent because Bowman and Hill spent too much time treating Soffin on the scene,
instead of immediately transporting Soffin to a hospital. In essence, plaintiffs argue that
Bowman and Hill should not have attempted to insert an intravenous line while on the scene.
Instead, plaintiffs insist that Bowman and Hill should have made those attempts while en route to
the hospital.
Defendants moved for summary disposition under to MCR 2.116(C)(7), (8), and (10).
All defendants claimed immunity from liability under the Emergency Medical Services Act
(EMSA), MCL 333.20901 et seq. Further, all defendants argued that their conduct did not
proximately cause Soffin’s injuries and that plaintiffs had failed to state a claim for negligent
infliction of emotional distress. Finally, the LF&R defendants claimed immunity from liability
under the public duty doctrine. While the trial court granted summary disposition to all
defendants, it did not specify whether it granted the motions under MCR 2.116(C)(7), (8), or
(10). Our review of the record reveals that the trial court granted summary disposition to all
defendants based on the EMSA’s grant of immunity. Accordingly, we will review the trial
court’s grant of summary disposition under MCR 2.116(C)(7).
III. Standard of Review
This Court reviews the grant or denial of summary disposition de novo to determine if the
moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Maiden v Rozwood, 461 Mich 109, 118;
597 NW2d 817 (1999). In making this determination, we review the entire record to determine
whether defendant was entitled to summary disposition. Id. Unlike a movant under subsection
(C)(10), a movant under subsection (C)(7) is not required to file supportive material and the
opposing party need not reply with supportive material. Id. at 119. If a party does support a
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motion under MCR 2.116(C)(7) by filing affidavits, depositions, admissions, or other
documentary evidence, we must consider those materials. Id. Further, we must accept the
contents of the complaint as true, unless contradicted by documentation submitted by the movant.
Id.
Summary disposition under MCR 2.116(C)(7) is proper for a claim that is barred because
of immunity granted by law. Smith v Kowalski, 223 Mich App 610, 616; 567 NW2d 463 (1997).
In regard to a claim of gross negligence, summary disposition for the defendant is appropriate
only where reasonable minds could not have reached different conclusions regarding whether the
defendant’s conduct amounted to gross negligence. Haberl v Rose, 225 Mich App 254, 265; 570
NW2d 664 (1997). Generally, once a standard of conduct is established, the reasonableness of an
actor’s conduct under the standard is a question for the factfinder, not the court. Jackson v
Saginaw Co, 458 Mich 141, 146; 580 NW2d 870 (1998), citing Tallsman v Markstrom, 180
Mich App 141, 144; 446 NW2d 618 (1989). However, if reasonable minds could not differ
based on the evidence presented, then the trial court should grant the motion for summary
disposition. Jackson, supra at 146, citing Vermilya v Dunham, 195 Mich App 79, 83; 489 NW2d
496 (1992).
IV. Emergency Medical Services Act
On the date in question, the EMSA provided:5
Unless an act or omission is the result of gross negligence or willful
misconduct, the acts or omissions of a medical first responder, emergency medical
technician, emergency medical technician specialist, paramedic, or medical
director of a medical control authority or his or her designee while providing
services to a patient outside a hospital, or in a hospital before transferring patient
care to hospital personnel, that are consistent with the individual’s licensure or
additional training required by the local medical control authority do not impose
liability in the treatment of a patient on those individuals or any of the following
persons:
***
(d)
The life support agency or an officer, member of the staff, or other
employee of the life support agency.
***
(f)
The authoritative governmental unit or units. [MCL 333.20965(1).]
The parties do not dispute that the EMSA applies to all defendants in this matter.
Therefore, in order to survive defendants’ motion for summary disposition under MCR
5
Although the Legislature subsequently amended the EMSA, those amendments do not apply in
the present case. See 1997 PA 78; 1999 PA 199; 2000 PA 375.
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2.116(C)(7), plaintiffs were required to allege either “gross negligence” or “willful misconduct”
on the part of defendants.
V. Willful Misconduct
The trial court granted summary disposition to all defendants based on a finding that none
of the defendants’ actions amounted to “willful misconduct” under the EMSA. In Jennings v
Southwood, 446 Mich 125, 142; 521 NW2d 230 (1994), our Supreme Court held that a plaintiff
alleging “willful misconduct” under the EMSA must allege that the defendant intended to harm
the plaintiff. Plaintiffs alleged “willful misconduct” in their amended complaint. However, they
alleged no facts that could support a finding that defendants actually intended to harm plaintiffs.
Further, plaintiffs do not pursue the “willful misconduct” issue on appeal. Therefore, we affirm
the trial court’s grant of summary disposition to all defendants on the issue of “willful
misconduct.”
VI. Gross Negligence
The trial court also granted summary disposition to all defendants based on a finding that
none of the defendants’ actions amounted to “gross negligence.” In Jennings, supra at 136-137,
our Supreme Court defined the EMSA’s “gross negligence” language to require evidence of
“conduct so reckless as to demonstrate a substantial lack of concern for whether an injury
results.” On appeal, plaintiffs argue that the trial court committed error requiring reversal
because reasonable minds could reach different conclusions regarding whether defendants
demonstrated a substantial lack of concern for plaintiffs’ welfare.
A. The LF&R Defendants
First, plaintiffs argue that a question of fact exists regarding whether the LF&R
defendants were grossly negligent. Plaintiffs argue that Lee and Mosier failed to recognize, upon
arrival at plaintiffs’ home, that Soffin was in a state of shock. Plaintiffs argue that Lee and
Mosier failed to recognize the serious nature of Soffin’s medical condition and her need for
immediate hospitalization. Plaintiffs also argue that Lee and Mosier inappropriately classified
Soffin as a priority three patient, when she was not in stable condition. Finally, plaintiffs argue
that Lee and Mosier refused to transport Soffin to any hospital, essentially sitting by and doing
nothing while waiting for another ambulance to arrive.
We agree with plaintiffs that reasonable minds could reach different conclusions
regarding the LF&S defendants’ evaluation of Soffin’s medical condition. Lee and Mosier
contend that Soffin was not in a state of shock when they arrived, even though she exhibited
some symptoms typically associated with shock. Lee and Mosier contend that Soffin’s condition
was stable enough to wait for a second ambulance. Further, they contend that Soffin’s condition
did not change between the time of their arrival and the arrival of the HVA defendants.
However, the HVA defendants immediately recognized that Soffin was in shock. They obtained
different readings on Soffin’s vital signs, determined that Soffin was not in stable condition, and
concluded that she required immediate transport to an emergency room. Given this divergent
testimony, reasonable minds could reach different conclusions regarding whether Lee and Mosier
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demonstrated a substantial lack of concern for whether the delay in treating Soffin’s condition
would result in injury. Jennings, supra at 136-137.
Further, the parties presented conflicting testimony regarding the reason why Lee and
Mosier did not transport Soffin to a hospital. Lee and Mosier testified that plaintiffs refused
transport to any hospital other than Providence, and that they were not authorized to transport her
there. Bowman and Hill likewise testified that Northey was particularly adamant that Soffin be
transported only to Providence, to the point where she threatened to take Soffin there in her own
vehicle if the EMTs would not do so. However, Northey denied that she insisted on transport to
Providence. Instead, she testified that she authorized Soffin’s transport to any hospital and that
she wanted Soffin to be taken to wherever she needed to go. While the weight of this testimony
certainly favors defendants, reasonable minds could differ over which testimony was the most
credible. Although we might not do so, a reasonable jury could disbelieve the testimony of all
four EMTs and accept Northey’s testimony. If a jury did so, then it could also determine that Lee
and Mosier’s failure to transport Soffin to a hospital demonstrated a substantial lack of concern
for whether serious injury would result.
Accordingly, we reverse the trial court’s grant of summary disposition to the LF&S
defendants on the issue of gross negligence.
B. The HVA Defendants
Next, plaintiffs argue that a question of fact exists regarding whether the HVA defendants
were grossly negligent. Plaintiffs argue that Bowman and Hill should have immediately
transported Soffin to the closest hospital. Plaintiffs presented evidence that Bowman and Hill
recognized that Soffin was in a state of shock and understood that Soffin had an abnormally high
heart rate, a history of coronary heart disease, and a large hematoma. Therefore, plaintiffs argue
that Bowman and Hill should have recognized the immediate need to transport Soffin to a
hospital.
However, there is no evidence in the record that Bowman and Hill demonstrated a
substantial lack of concern for Soffin’s well-being. In contrast, they attempted to provide proper
medical care. The entire time they spent on the scene before transport to the hospital was spent
attempting to stabilize Soffin’s condition. Plaintiffs presented no facts from which reasonable
minds could conclude that the HVA defendants were grossly negligent. We conclude that the
trial court properly granted summary disposition to the HVA defendants because reasonable
jurors could not find that the conduct of these defendants amounted to gross negligence. Haberl,
supra at 265.
VII. Proximate Cause and Public Duty Doctrine
All defendants argue that the trial court properly granted their motions for summary
disposition because their conduct did not proximately cause Soffin’s injuries. Additionally, the
LF&R defendants argue that the trial court properly granted their motion for summary disposition
because, under the public duty doctrine, they owed no duty to plaintiffs. Although defendants
raised these issues below, the trial court did not resolve them. Therefore, there is no lower court
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ruling on these issues for this Court to review. On remand to the trial court, the LF&R
defendants may again present these issues to the trial court for resolution.
VIII. Conclusion
Affirmed in part and reversed in part. Plaintiffs, being the prevailing parties as against
the LF&R defendants, may tax costs pursuant to MCR 7.219, to the extent that those costs relate
to the appeal involving the LF&R defendants. The HVA defendants, being the prevailing parties
as against plaintiffs, may tax costs pursuant to MCR 7.219.
/s/ Michael R. Smolenski
/s/ Kathleen Jansen
/s/ E. Thomas Fitzgerald
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