A former paramedic from Iowa, Deanna Fay LaMere, 46, is facing charges after allegedly administering the wrong medication to a patient in distress, which subsequently led to his death. LaMere, who was employed by Sioux City Fire Rescue, is accused of injecting James Foster Jr., 26, with rocuronium, a paralyzing drug, instead of the intended ketamine.
On August 18, 2023, LaMere was part of the emergency response team that attended to Foster’s call for medical assistance. Reports indicate that Foster was agitated and first responders were unable to get him onto a cot for transportation to a hospital. LaMere, who was reportedly the lead paramedic and the only one qualified to administer medication at the scene, decided to use ketamine to help Foster calm down.
However, authorities allege that LaMere mistakenly administered rocuronium instead of ketamine. She reportedly realized her error when she returned to the ambulance to prepare what she believed would be a second dose of ketamine for Foster. Prosecutors stated that rocuronium is typically used in extreme cases and requires the patient to be intubated within 30 seconds to a minute of administration. Although Foster had a slightly longer window due to the drug being injected, it was insufficient to save his life.
As Foster was being transported to the hospital, he reportedly stated that he was unable to breathe. He lost consciousness shortly after and went limp. Despite efforts to resuscitate him during the journey and upon arrival at the hospital, Foster passed away two days later on August 20, 2023. The medical examiner’s office attributed his death to the administration of rocuronium.
Prosecutors claim that LaMere was aware of the effects of rocuronium and knew the necessary steps to treat a patient after its administration. However, they allege that she failed to take the appropriate actions. According to the criminal complaint, LaMere admitted to not verifying the medication before administering it and did not notify anyone or alter her treatment of the patient after realizing her mistake.
Online court records reveal that LaMere is charged with aggravated misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter. The date when she ceased working as a paramedic remains unclear.