Paramedic: Winterstein death still a struggle
Source: stcatharinesstandard.ca
TL;DR
- Paramedic Brandon St. Angelo testified on Day 6 of the inquest into Heather Winterstein's death about transporting her on December 10, 2021.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)[[2]](https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_83014aad-51d9-5486-984c-6b930e7abb20.html)
- Heather was headed to Fort Erie urgent care until worsening vital signs prompted a switch to St. Catharines emergency, unknown to her father.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
- St. Angelo said her death remains a struggle, as he second-guesses decisions that morning.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
The story at a glance
A paramedic testified at the coroner's inquest into the 2021 death of Heather Winterstein, a 24-year-old Indigenous woman from St. Catharines who died of sepsis at the hospital. Brandon St. Angelo of Niagara Emergency Medical Services described the morning transport on December 10 after her initial hospital discharge the day before. The article covers this Day 6 testimony as the inquest, which began March 30, 2026, examines her care. Winterstein collapsed in the emergency waiting room after paramedics brought her in.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
Key points
- Brandon St. Angelo, an advanced care paramedic, responded to a call and took Winterstein to hospital, initially planning urgent care in Fort Erie.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
- Her vital signs worsened en route, leading paramedics to divert to St. Catharines hospital emergency department instead.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
- Winterstein's father did not know about the destination switch.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
- St. Angelo said the case is still "a struggle for me," as he second-guesses his decisions and wonders if the outcome could have changed.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
- Earlier inquest evidence suggested more frequent vital checks and closer monitoring in the emergency department may have altered events.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
- Winterstein, after being seen and discharged the prior day for back pain, collapsed in the waiting room and died of sepsis from bacterial infection.[[3]](https://www.facebook.com/ChiefsofOntario/posts/content-warning-this-release-discusses-the-death-of-a-first-nation-woman-and-ref/1240921384879383)
Details and context
The inquest, presided by coroner Dr. David Eden, is probing the circumstances around Winterstein's death on December 10, 2021, at what is now Marotta Family Hospital (formerly St. Catharines General). She had sought care the day before for severe back pain, was discharged with Tylenol, then returned critically ill.[[3]](https://www.facebook.com/ChiefsofOntario/posts/content-warning-this-release-discusses-the-death-of-a-first-nation-woman-and-ref/1240921384879383)[[4]](https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/2026/03/27/inquest-to-examine-death-of-ontario-indigenous-woman-following-hospital-visit)
Previous days heard from family, another paramedic (Paula Lagrotteria on Day 2 or 3), doctors, and experts like Dr. Ron McMillan (Day 5), who said no clear sepsis signs appeared initially.[[5]](https://www.wellandtribune.ca/)[[6]](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/winterstein-inquest-doctor-9.7154415)
The multi-day hearing, expected to last about 13 days with 22 witnesses, aims to recommend changes to prevent similar deaths, amid concerns over Indigenous healthcare access.[[7]](https://theturtleislandnews.com/index.php/2026/04/06/inquest-into-death-of-heather-winterstein-hears-testimony-from-family-paramedics-and-doctor)
Key quotes
- "A struggle for me." — Brandon St. Angelo, on Winterstein's death.[[1]](https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/niagara-region/winterstein-inquest-day-6/article_cc10487b-d0e6-5857-bbee-c3181eea799c.html)
Why it matters
The inquest highlights potential gaps in emergency response, triage, and monitoring that contributed to an avoidable death from sepsis in a young Indigenous woman. It means healthcare providers and families may gain insights into better communication during transports and earlier interventions for at-risk patients. Watch for jury recommendations and remaining witness testimonies, which could shape protocols but depend on full evidence.