“Shameful and dangerous”: Medical staff face a wave of criticism over the incident involving Jared Young's stretcher

Jared Young ’s frightening injury at Citi Field was followed by another uncomfortable scene, as the New York Mets first baseman’s stretcher removal drew sharp criticism.

The 31-year-old was knocked unconscious during the sixth inning when pitcher Nolan McLean ’s knee struck his head as both players converged on a slow grounder near first base.

Young was taken to a hospital after he remained down for several minutes before being stabilized and loaded onto a stretcher.

The Mets later said he had feeling in his extremities, while interim manager Andy Green said a CT scan was fortunately negative.

However, video of the stretcher being moved showed medical personnel struggling with the equipment before he was taken toward the outfield in the game against the Philadelphia Phillies .

The footage prompted viewers to question how the evacuation was handled, sparking an emotional reaction on X.com, formerly Twitter.

One user wrote, “Worked in EMS for years. Coworkers like these people are why I don’t work in EMS anymore. The standards need to be raised.”

Whilst a second added, “As a paramedic, this is tough to watch. You’d think the Mets could spring the bill for an electric Striker cot, but still no excuse for the sloppiness from that crew.”

Players on both sides grateful Young is OK

His injury is especially difficult given his rise this season. After returning from a knee injury that cost him roughly six weeks, he earned a larger role and entered Thursday batting .266 with nine homers and 39 RBIs.

Thursday’s game ended with Philadelphia winning 3-0, but the result was secondary as attention remained fixed on Young .

New York have not currently announced a further diagnosis beyond his concussion symptoms and negative CT scan.

The Mets manager had said he was experiencing concussion symptoms but had full use of his extremities but whilst he was carted off the field, the player raised an arm to reassure fans and players.

Young gave the Citi Field crowd a thumbs-up as he was driven away and that gesture offered a welcome sign after teammates had gathered around him while he lay on the infield dirt.

“It is scary to see one of our brothers,” Francisco Lindor said. “One of the most respected and loved teammates that we have here, like that."

Lindor ’s comment perfectly captured the concern inside the Mets clubhouse, especially for players who have been exposed to such collisions throughout their careers and intimately understand the gravity of the situation.

Likewise for the Phillies , as Bryce Harper also addressed the injury before discussing the game itself in a compassionate and sporting gesture.

“I hope he’s OK, may God be with him and his family," Harper said, post-game.