Paramedic: Winterstein death still a struggle

Source: stcatharinesstandard.ca

TL;DR

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

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

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.