Denise Aiyedatiwa, a 35-year-old Atlanta resident, has alleged that a wellness check initiated by her long-term disability insurer resulted in physical and emotional distress and left her restrained without proper medical authorization.
She said the incident occurred on September 22, and involved personnel from Grady EMS and an Atlanta Police officer.
Aiyedatiwa has publicly addressed this deeply disturbing experience, which is reportedly under investigation. She said this wellness check was conducted despite her physician confirming her stable condition.
“They were supposed to be there to de-escalate. None of that happened,” Aiyedatiwa told 11Alive.
Footage from the doorbell camera and other recordings indicate that Atlanta Police and two Grady EMS workers arrived at her residence on the day in question.
Aiyedatiwa explained that she denied them entry and refused to accompany them. She claimed that the situation escalated rapidly after she returned to her bedroom.
“This is how they have me leave,” she stated in a video recorded during the incident. “Do I look like I can—like I’m restrained? I’m crying, hyperventilating because of that experience. And that’s before he physically assaulted me.”
She further alleged that while she was restrained in the ambulance, one EMS worker applied force to her leg, which was already secured, after she resisted having her blood pressure taken.
“He jumps on my leg that’s already restrained—the left leg that’s already restrained. It hits the metal of the gurney,” she recalled. “I’m screaming, ‘You’re hurting me, please. You’re hurting me.’ They refuse.”
Aiyedatiwa’s medical records from another hospital later confirmed contusions, abrasions, and bruising on her lower left leg, along with marks from restraints.
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She stated her restraints were not removed until a nurse realized there was no 1013, referencing Georgia’s involuntary commitment code. She added that no medical doctor authorized the restraints, and personnel didn’t understand why she was still restrained until 2:00 pm.
Meanwhile, Grady EMS has refused to accept responsibility for the incident, according to a letter from its legal team. The Atlanta Police Department has yet to comment.
The insurance company that requested the wellness check for Aiyedatiwa is currently reviewing the incident. However, it maintains that it cannot be held responsible for the actions of the local emergency personnel involved.
“Every time I think about it, it’s really just…” Aiyedatiwa said, trailing off, visibly emotional.
She shared her story hoping to help others dealing with mental health issues avoid a similar traumatic experience.
