Family sues Grady EMS after teen's death amid ambulance shortages

A multimillion-dollar lawsuit has been filed against Grady Hospital Corporation and Grady EMS over the death of a 15-year-old girl. Mandy Sylvester died in December 2024 after suffering a medical emergency during volleyball practice. Her family alleges delays in ambulance response played a role in her death. Mandy Sylvester collapsed at practice and experienced seizures. Her mother, Barbara Sylvester, had to drive her to the hospital herself because no ambulance was available. Grady EMS was operating at 'level zero', meaning all its ambulances were already in use when the first request for transport came in.

Georgia law requires ambulance providers to request mutual aid when their own resources are stretched. The lawsuit claims Grady EMS failed to do this. Anthony Sylvester Jr., Mandy’s father, stated the family filed the suit to seek accountability from the service.

Attorney Ben Crump and a legal team are representing the family. They argue the case raises wider concerns about ambulance shortages in Fulton County. Grady Hospital has said it will respond through the legal process, citing privacy laws that prevent it from discussing patient care publicly. The lawsuit seeks justice for Mandy Sylvester and highlights the impact of ambulance unavailability. Grady EMS and Grady Hospital Corporation will address the allegations in court. The case may prompt scrutiny of emergency response systems in the area.