Boy left waiting 3 hours at ER while choking, father says

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) – Orlando Withers tells WRBL his young son Jaxon was left waiting more than three hours at Russell Medical Center’s emergency room on Sunday while struggling to breathe after swallowing an unknown object.

Withers says Jaxon was in severe distress, choking, foaming at the mouth, and reaching for his throat, but the hospital kept them in the lobby. He alleges a caucasian family who came in with a child who had a rash was taken back within minutes, while his son remained untreated.

Frustrated, Withers says he decided to leave around 4:30 p.m. and drove to Coosa Valley ER in Sylacauga. He says doctors there immediately performed X-rays, confirmed an object was lodged in the child’s airway, and arranged for transport to Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. Surgeons successfully removed the object late Sunday night. Jaxon is now recovering at home.

Withers tells WRBL he is demanding accountability from Russell Medical Center.

After requests for comment, Russell Medical Center President and CEO Jim Peace issued this statement to WRBL on Wednesday.

“We are aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding a recent visit to our Emergency Department. First and foremost, our thoughts are with Jaxon and his family — we are thankful to hear he is now recovering at home. I have been in touch with members of the family and we are coordinating a time to meet with them in person. Russell Medical takes all concerns about patient care very seriously. We are conducting a thorough investigation of the events described to better understand what occurred and ensure that every patient receives the quality, timely, and compassionate care they deserve. While we cannot comment on specific patient details due to privacy laws, please know that patient safety and equitable treatment are our highest priorities.”

A spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Public Health also confirmed to WRBL:

“The Alabama Department of Public Health will follow up on this matter. Additional information cannot be provided at this time.”