Family sues Grady EMS after teen's death amid ambulance shortage crisis

A multimillion-dollar lawsuit has been filed against Grady Hospital Corporation and Grady EMS. The case involves the death of 15-year-old Mandy Sylvester during a medical emergency at volleyball practice in December 2024. The family alleges critical failures in emergency response contributed to the tragedy. On the day of the incident, Mandy Sylvester suffered a medical emergency during volleyball practice. A 911 call was made, but no ambulance was available to respond. Grady EMS was operating at 'level zero', meaning all ambulances were already in use.

Callers were not told about the ambulance shortage until a second 911 call was placed over 20 minutes later. With no transport available, Mandy’s mother, Barbara Sylvester, drove her daughter to the hospital herself. Mandy later died from her condition.

The lawsuit claims Grady EMS failed to follow Georgia law, which requires ambulance providers to request mutual aid when their own resources are unavailable. It also states the service did not notify emergency personnel or the family about the lack of ambulance availability. The legal action seeks justice for Mandy and highlights concerns about ambulance shortages across Fulton County.

Grady Hospital has stated it will respond through the legal process. Citing privacy laws, the hospital has declined to comment on the specific allegations. The lawsuit aims to hold Grady EMS accountable for the alleged failures in emergency response. It also raises urgent questions about ambulance availability in the region. The case will proceed through the courts, with the family seeking answers and systemic improvements.