On August 2, 2022, my 22-year-old son, Colton Brown, was left without oxygen when he needed it most—as shown on body camera footage.

He started with a normal pulse—and ended in a body bag.

This occurred following a single-vehicle automobile accident.

The patient care report (PCR) labeled his death “futile,” with no resuscitation attempted. Nearly four years later, we are still fighting for accountability.

This is not just about Colton.

Across North Carolina, paramedics have the authority to determine—on scene—whether a life is “futile.” But training, oversight, and decision-making are not consistent across all 100 counties.

And that inconsistency is costing lives.

Colton received no oxygen for 21 minutes, no effective airway intervention, and no CPR when he went into cardiac arrest—despite not having a DNR. Air Care was on standby and was never called. At a critical moment, there was a breakdown in getting him to a trauma center.

Despite the severity of what occurred, the paramedic in charge was later promoted—raising serious concerns about how accountability is handled within this system. The personnel involved continue to serve in active roles.

We must see immediate changes to prevent unnecessary deaths in the future.

We are calling for:

1. More advanced and consistent airway management training for EMTs and paramedics in trauma cases

2. A clear expectation that resuscitation is attempted unless there are definitive signs of death

3. Stronger medical oversight and accountability across all counties

4. A consistent, statewide standard of care across all 100 counties in North Carolina, enforced by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services

5. Body cameras on EMS personnel to ensure transparency and protect both patients and providers

At the time of Colton’s accident, Davidson County had a Medical Director working only 8 hours per month—raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability.

We call on the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and state leadership—including Devdutta Sangvai, Josh Stein, and North Carolina legislators—to ensure these changes are implemented and enforced across all 100 counties.

No family should have to question whether their loved one was given a chance to live.

If this can happen to Colton, it can happen to anyone.

We are asking for your support to help ensure that every patient in North Carolina receives proper airway management and a real chance at life through life-saving resuscitation—

because Colton was denied that chance after he was deprived of oxygen.