This is a very disturbing story. IF the allegations are true.

EMTs accused of ignoring ailing woman suspended

NEW YORK – Two emergency medical technicians accused of refusing to help a pregnant woman who collapsed in the coffee shop where they were taking a break were suspended yesterday, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg called their behavior inexcusable.

Very serious allegations. Note that nitwit Mayor Michael Bloomberg has done what nitwit politicians generally do. He’s declared them guilty before the investigation has really even begun.

Here’s another headline,

Mayor rips EMTs who refused to help dying pregnant mother

A furious Mayor Bloomberg yesterday blasted two EMTs who allegedly refused to help a dying, pregnant mom because they were on break at a Brooklyn coffee shop.

“It was unconscionable, [an] outrage, pick some adjectives and stick it in,” the fuming mayor said at a news conference a day after The Post broke the scandal involving tragic mom Eutisha Revee Rennix, 25.

I am not, repeat not, making light of the serious nature of these allegations. What I am pointing out is that Mayor Bloomberg does neither the City of New York, nor the EMTs any good by leaping to conclusions and rushing to judgment.

The fire department no doubt has a disciplinary process in place that has some elements of a judicial procedure. That is, there will be a hearing, witnesses, testimony, cross examination, and a determination. I’d expect that if it is found that these EMTs did what they were accused of, they’ll be terminated. I’d not be surprised if the State of New York has a proceeding to revoke their certifications. The problem is that the Mayor of the New York City, their ultimate boss, has already proclaimed their guilt. Which could well give them grounds to appeal the decision because it’s been tainted by his proclamation. It would not be the first time that a loose lipped politician has sunk a solid disciplinary case by not STFU. How do you think it might look in, oh about 18 months or so, if an arbitrator, hearing officer, or judge decides that the two EMTs were in fact in the wrong, but their right to a fair and impartial hearing was denied because of the feel good at the moment utterances of a politician?

Mayor Bloomberg, here is some advice. No one ever got into trouble by keeping their mouth shut. I know it’s hard for a politician to do that, but sometimes it’s really the best course of action.

Like just about everyone else, I don’t know what really happened or who said what. That should come out in the investigation at which time a determination of responsibility can be made and discipline, if warranted, can be meted out. Mayor Bloomberg, like everyone else, should wait for the results of the investigation. Of course it’s unlikely that he’ll do that.

Did I mention that he’s a nitwit? And I don’t need an investigation to prove that, he’s done that by opening his mouth.

Residents of New York City, you got the Mayor you deserve.

That is all.