Wrong Address, Lost Minutes: EMS Error Leaves Patient Brain-Damaged

Three EMS units went to the wrong address for a cardiac arrest, causing a 12-minute delay. The patient’s heart was restarted, but severe and permanent brain damage left him disabled.

The family won a jury verdict after years of litigation. Key takeaways: verify locations, use closed-loop communication, avoid cognitive biases, and remember that every minute counts—time is brain.