Family of woman who died during childbirth suing Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The family of an expectant mother who died during childbirth is suing the city of Philadelphia.

The family of Joanne Rodriguez blames improper paramedic training and faulty equipment for her death.

They say when paramedics answered a call at her home for breathing problems, they didn't give her oxygen for 10 minutes. And once at the hospital, the ambulance doors and locks wouldn't open, trapping her.

Rodriguez died and her son was born with brain damage.

"A lawsuit won't bring Joanne back, it won't free Xavier from his disability. It won't ever heal the loss and pain this family has endured, but, hopefully, it will make the city realize that anyone that calls 911 deserves better than this," Eddie Rodriguez, Joanee's widower and Xavier's father, said.

The city has declined comment because of the pending suit.

The fire union says the medics did the best they could.