I am an EMT who works for a private ambulance company that is contracted to provide 911 services in a busy city

Last week my unit was sent to a unknown medical run with the only information given was that a person was on the phone with family stating they didn’t feel good before there was a thud and the phone went silent. After calling back several times with no answer the family called 911. The address give was less then a mile away in an apartment complex so our on scene time was under 5 minutes with the fire department being 30 second behind us. We get to the door knock & call out but get no response. We try the door its lock along with all the windows. The FD captain has dispatch send the family’s number over to his cell phone to inquire if there’s a hidden key somewhere. The family tells us that the main office should have a spare. One of the firefighters goes over to the to ask for it.

When the firefighter returns he tells us that the manager wants to talk to whoever is in charge. She explains that she can’t give us the key without the tenants permission. The Captain tells her the tenant is having a medical emergency & can’t give that permission. After several mins of back & forth the captain tells her either give us the key or we’re going to break down the door. The manager says she wants to help us but she doesn’t want to be held liable if she lets us in & there’s no emergency. Frustrated FD captain tells his crew to get the tools ready.

Due to safety reasons & protocol the FD is unable to preform forcible entry without the sheriffs present to clear the scene without exigent circumstances. (I.e Hearing someone asking for help, seeing a person down from a window). Because it was super busy day it took the sheriffs 15ish or so mins to show up. The second sheriffs arrive FD went to work on the door and had it open in 10 seconds

As soon as we go in we find the patient on the floor unresponsive agonally in an abnormal heart rhythm which soon turns into no rhythm. FD & my paramedic partner start CPR while I run to the ambulance to get more equipment. As I exit the door the manager ask if everything is ok. I tell her no everything is not ok. I return with the equipment to the apartment plug myself in where I’m needed and we proceed to work up the patient for over an hour before calling it.

As we pack up our gear and used equipment I go outside to get a sheet to cover the deceased. The sheriff ask if we’re going be to be transporting the patient to the hospital to which I reply no he’s gone. We spent 20 mins arguing with the manager to give us the damn spare key but she didn’t so now this guys dead because of it.

Unknown to me the manager was standing around the corner just of sight & heard my comment. She let out a very loud gasp & started to cry before walking down the hallway to her office.I was told to apologize or be written up by a supervisor but I stand by my statement and refused. AITAH?