Trending Topics

Trending Topics: Utah nurse arrest raises questions, commentary

We take a look at several news stories and expert perspectives surrounding the arrest of nurse Alex Wubbels

By Sarah Calams, EMS1 Associate Editor

A video of Utah nurse Alex Wubbels being arrested for refusing to allow a police officer to draw blood on an unconscious patient went viral last week. Since then, Detective Jeff Payne has been fired from his part-time job as a Gold Cross paramedic and put on paid leave by the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Additionally, prosecutors have asked the FBI to join an investigation into the rough arrest. In this Trending Topic, we take a look at several news stories and expert perspectives surrounding the arrest of nurse Wubbels.

Check out the articles and share your thoughts below on how you would diffuse a potentially volatile interaction on a call.

1. Video: Utah cop arrests nurse for refusing access to patient for blood draw
Det. Jeff Payne argued that he was allowed to take blood through an “implied consent” process even though the patient was comatose.

2. Fallout from Utah nurse arrest: Policy changes, apologies
“Nurse Wubbels was placed in an unfair and unwarranted positon. Her actions are nothing less than exemplary,” hospital CEO Gordon Crabtree said.

3. Police officer who arrested nurse fired from paramedic job
Detective Jeff Payne worked for Gold Cross as an EMT and paramedic since 1983.

4. Utah asks FBI to investigate police in nurse’s rough arrest
The FBI opened its own civil rights review after the video surfaced last week and has agreed to assist the county investigation.

5. Arrested for doing your job: Fallout from the arrest of a Utah nurse
Advocate for your patients while acting mindfully, cooperating with other public safety organizations and doing the right thing.

6. What to do when an emergency responder loses their cool
Here’s how to help a colleague who is on the cusp of becoming a viral news sensation, putting their career at risk and embarrassing your department.

7. Inside EMS Podcast: When can an EMS provider disobey an order?
Our co-hosts discuss the incident in Utah where a nurse was arrested for following the directions of her written policy.

8. Utah nurse arrest: Why cops need to know the law before they act
The recent incident involving the unlawful arrest of a Utah nurse underscores the importance of legal updates and in-service training.

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