Paramedics allegedly had ‘selfie war,’ took photos with unconscious patients

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Deputies arrested a former Florida paramedic who is accused of taking selfies and videos with patients inside ambulances.

The former paramedic, 24-year-old Kayla Renee Dubois, of Navarre, and another suspect allegedly competed in a “selfie war,” taking pictures and videos of patients. “Many patients were intubated, sedated or otherwise unconscious at the time,” deputies said.

Dubois is charged with two counts of interception and disclosure of oral communications. That’s a third-degree felony. She was arrested Thursday, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition, deputies issued warrants for the other suspect, 33-year-old Christoper Wimmer, of Crestview. He faces seven counts of the interception and disclosure of oral communications charge, in addition to one count of misdemeanor battery. The battery charge is because Wimmer held open a sedated patients eyelid when taking a selfie, deputies said.

Investigators say he also posed with an elderly woman with her breast exposed, deputies added.

Forty-one patients were identified in the photos and videos, according to the sheriffs office. Two have since died, and three appear to have participated. The remaining patients range from age 24 to 86. Five of the victims are homeless, deputies said.

“Some of the data was shared by phone with other EMS and non-EMS personnel, however, the investigator says overall a very small number of EMS personnel were sent the images and videos by the defendants,” deputies said.

The investigation began in May after three other emergency services employees told officials. Wimmer resigned from his position one week after the investigation started, and Dubois was terminated at that time.

The investigation also found the suspects sent text messages challenging each other to “step up” the game and take more photos.