Empty ER endangers Massachusetts tot

BROCKTON, Mass. (WHDH/NBC) - A Brockton, Mass. hospital is investigating after a family had to leave the emergency room with a sick infant because they couldn't find any medical personnel to help them.

"He could have died. They put his life at risk, and I will fight to the highest level to make sure that this doesn't happen to anyone else," said the child's mother, Margot Lapointe.

Just after midnight Friday, Lapointe ran into the Brockton Hospital emergency room with her husband and son.

"I run in, no one's at the desk, I'm looking around, no one. I turn to the security guard, 'Where is everyone?'" said Lapointe. "He looks at me and says, 'One person is working, and they're out back'. I say, 'Call them. My baby can't breathe!'"

Her son Avery was wheezing so badly that seconds could not be spared, and according to Lapointe, the security guard did not act like there was a problem.

The security guard did in fact call someone, but that was all.

"No one comes out," said Lapointe. "I'm running up and down - there are cubbies where you can register all along there - running up and down looking for nurses, and all the doors are locked."

She persisted further with the security guard.

"Tell them an infant is out here that cannot breathe," said Lapointe. "He looked at me, and he wouldn't. He said, 'No, no. They are out there helping patients that are important and just wait.'"

Lapointe did not wait.

"I jumped in my car, sped around to the main entrance and all doors were locked," she said.

Lapointe then raced to South Shore Hospital , where Avery was diagnosed with pneumonia and immediately treated.

"I want swift repercussions for whoever was responsible for running the ER that night and running the security guard that night because it is unacceptable and disgusting," said Lapointe.

The Brockton Hospital released a statement saying they are completing a thorough review of the procedures followed in the emergency department, and if the hospital's review of the case shows an opportunity for improvement that they will swiftly implement a corrective plan.

According to Lapointe, hospital officials will be reviewing surveillance tape from that night.

Avery is now doing much better.