Woman dies after no CPR

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A nurse’s refusal to give CPR to a dying 87-yearold woman at an independent living home despite desperate pleas from a 911 dispatcher has prompted outrage and spawned a criminal investigation.

The call also raised concerns that policies at senior living facilities could prevent staff from intervening in medical emergencies.

Loraine Bayless collapsed Feb. 26 in the dining room of the Glenwood Gardens retirement home. She lived in the independent living building at the home.

The woman who talked to the 911 dispatcher identified herself as a nurse, and said policy prevented her from doing CPR, according to an audio recording of the call.

The executive director of Glenwood Gardens, Jeffrey Toomer, defended the nurse in a written statement, saying she followed the facility’s policy.

An unidentified woman called from her cellphone, and asked for paramedics to be sent to help the woman. Later, a woman who identified herself as the nurse got on the phone and told dispatcher Tracey Halvorson she was not permitted to do CPR on the woman.

Halvorson urged the nurse to start CPR.

“As a human being ... you know, is there anybody that’s willing to help this lady and not let her die,” the dispatcher asked.

“Not at this time,” the nurse answered.