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Wash. taxpayers pay to defend EMT accused of hitting on patient

While the patient was still in the ER following a panic attack, the firefighter/EMT began contacting her via Facebook

KOMO News

SEATTLE, Wash. — A local firefighter/EMT is under investigation for allegedly crossing the line and hitting on a patient.

Now a KOMO 4 Problem Solver investigation has discovered that taxpayers are paying for him to defend his medical license. When firefighters, EMTs, or paramedics answer a 911 call, it’s often at the caller’s worst moments — maybe a heart attack, an accident or other emergency — and it can leave a patient critically vulnerable.

That’s why those emergency health care responders must follow strict rules. One of the most important? The rule about not using patient information to contact them personally. In the words of Department of Health Spokesman Donn Moyer, “It’s crucial.”

Full story: Taxpayers paying to defend EMT accused of hitting on patient