No doubt you saw a video that went viral of three nurses who laughed as a dying veteran begged them for help. James Dempsey, 89, a decorated World War II veteran died while under the care of Loyce Pickquet Agyeman, Wanda Nuckles, and Mable Turman.
In the video, you can hear Dempsey begging for help as he is having trouble breathing. The three nurses laughed as they tried to repair the oxygen machine. Nuckles claimed that she and the others performed CPR but the video shows that never happened.
All three were charged with elder abuse and concealing a death. Agyeman faces murder charges also.
The nurses’ actions were revealed in a hidden video camera put in place by Dempsey’s family, reports state.
At one point, the nurses are heard laughing as they try to get Dempsey’s oxygen machine to operate properly. During a statement, Nuckles said the nurses performed CPR, but the video does not show them taking that action.
“Sir, that was an honest mistake,” Nuckles said in a filmed deposition. “I was just basing everything on what I normally do.”
The video shows Dempsey repeatedly crying out to the nurses for help, as they allegedly neglect to perform life-saving measures. The footage was recently released through a lawsuit filed by Dempsey’s family, reports said.
Yvette Jones, a spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office said:
“Video surveillance shows the patient suffering in respiratory distress and repeatedly calling out for help. Soon after his distress calls, the victim became unresponsive.”
The nurses were allowed to keep their jobs for nearly three years then they were referred to the Georgia Board of Nursing and the two nurses had their licenses revoked. The third was a nurse’s assistant.
Elaine Harris, a retired nursing professor and adult critical care expert testified:
“In 43 years in nursing, I have never seen such disregard for human life in a healthcare setting, is what I witnessed.”
No trial date has been set yet.