by Wyoming Residents Shocked After Iowa Father Dies from Paramedic’s Alleged Fatal Mistake, Lawsuit Alleges
An Iowa father of two died after a paramedic allegedly gave him a lethal dose of the wrong medication, ignored his desperate pleas for help, and took no action as his condition rapidly deteriorated, according to a lawsuit filed by the man’s family. The tragic case is drawing attention even in distant states like Wyoming, where emergency responders and residents are closely watching developments in prehospital care standards.
James Foster Jr., 26, of Sioux City, reportedly told paramedics, “I can’t breathe,” after receiving the incorrect medication — only to be told by emergency medical technician Deanna LaMere, “You’re not gonna die, you’re fine,” the lawsuit claims.
According to the complaint, LaMere intended to administer ketamine to chemically restrain Foster, but instead gave him rocuronium, a powerful paralytic used in surgeries. Rocuronium causes complete muscle paralysis, including the muscles used to breathe.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on August 18, 2023, when Sioux City police and EMTs responded to a report of a man lying in the street. Foster, who had suffered an arm injury, was allegedly behaving erratically, prompting LaMere to use chemical restraint.
“Alright … it should be kicking in like now,” LaMere allegedly said after the injection. Moments later, Foster began gasping for air, repeatedly asking, “Am I gonna die?” His breathing became labored and chaotic, according to bodycam footage referenced in the complaint.
Rather than alert anyone to the error or take steps to secure Foster’s airway, LaMere reportedly told him “night night” as he slipped into unconsciousness. The family’s lawsuit alleges that LaMere knew she had administered rocuronium but did not notify medical personnel, failed to intubate him, and watched as he became paralyzed and unable to breathe.
As Foster struggled, officers and EMTs reportedly handcuffed him and strapped him to a gurney, ignoring his escalating distress. During transport, he went into cardiac arrest due to oxygen deprivation caused by the paralytic. He was later declared brain-dead from an anoxic brain injury and died days later.
Foster’s grieving family has filed a lawsuit against LaMere, the City of Sioux City, and local officials. The complaint accuses them of negligence and failing to respond appropriately to a life-threatening medical emergency.
LaMere has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and has pleaded not guilty. She remains under legal scrutiny as the case unfolds.
Foster is remembered in his obituary as a loving father to two young daughters, Peyton and Lakoda, and a kind-hearted man who “loved everybody and was always polite.” His tragic death has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability in emergency medical services — even reaching concerned communities in states like Wyoming, where rural EMS professionals often face similar high-stakes decisions.
