Gilbert forced an untrained colleague to use cardiac defibrillation paddles on a patient during a medical emergency on Nov. 17, 1995, by refusing to use the equipment herself. Prosecutors said Gilbert threatened the life of at least one person verbally and physically in July 1996.[11] While working as a home health aide before becoming a registered nurse, Gilbert purposely scalded a mentally handicapped child with hot bath water about eight years before her VAMC crimes.[18]