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EMTs resign after live-streaming White Castle run while ignoring 911 call

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University Hospital says it is still investigating the incident caught on camera.

NEWARK -- The EMTs who were apparently caught live-streaming their choice to stay on a fast food drive-thru line while calls for emergency service were coming in have resigned, as a hospital investigation into the incident continues.

"The individuals involved in this matter have resigned their employment with University Hospital as a result of their inappropriate conduct, which violated numerous Hospital policies, including our clear guidance on emergency response protocols, the use of social media, and our code of conduct," hospital spokeswoman Stacie Newton said in a statement to NJ Advance Media Tuesday.

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"The Hospital has been in contact with the New Jersey Department of Health since this incident, and will evaluate additional referrals to appropriate authorities at the conclusion of our investigation."

The resignations come several days after the emergency responders were suspended without pay after the video surfaced showing the two waiting on a White Castle line for several minutes before leaving to respond to calls. In the Periscope video, which appeared in a News 12 report before it was apparently taken down from the social media site, the driver, James Hovan, can be heard defending the decision to wait for his food.

According to Newton, the delay did not result in any harm to patients.

"University Hospital is proud of the dedicated work of our EMS staff, which responds to hundreds of calls each day," she said. "Although our investigation has determined that no patients were harmed as a result of this misconduct, University Hospital is reviewing our policies to ensure our continuous commitment to patient care and safety."

According to University, a paramedic unit was also dispatched to the call heard in the video, and arrived within 10 minutes.

While on duty, EMTs are allowed time to eat, however are supposed to respond to calls immediately as they come in, the hospital said.

Hovan could not immediately be reached for comment.

University's EMS service responds to emergencies throughout the entire city, including at Newark Liberty International Airport, and the New Jersey Marine Terminals at Port Newark and the Elizabeth Seaport.

City officials did not respond to a request for comment on the incident.

Last year, University's EMS division responded to more than 100,000 calls for service, and transported more than 51,000 patients.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.


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