What happened: Former Bridgeport EMT Bradley Doyle, 25, is serving a 9-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree kidnapping and attempted first-degree burglary.
The victim, a fellow EMT, alleges that Doyle abducted her twice in February 2023. The first incident involved Doyle forcibly taking her to his home, where he confined her. The second incident occurred outside their workplace, leading to a high-speed police chase through several towns before Doyle was apprehended.
The victim has filed a lawsuit against Doyle, his parents and their employer, American Medical Response (AMR), claiming negligence in hiring and supervision.
|More: Woman sues former Conn. EMT, ambulance service after being kidnapped, twice
Highlights
Watch as Ed Bauter, MBA, MHL, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C; and Daniel Schwester, MICP, highlight the significance of this development, including:
- Employer liability in hiring practices. The lawsuit alleges that AMR failed to conduct adequate background checks, overlooking Doyle’s prior criminal history involving offenses against women.
- The necessity of comprehensive background checks. The case underscores the importance of thorough vetting processes for EMS personnel to prevent individuals with violent histories from entering the field.
- Impact on public trust in EMS services. Incidents like this can erode community confidence in emergency services, highlighting the need for stringent hiring and supervision protocols.
The path forward
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of rigorous background checks and oversight in EMS hiring practices. Employers must ensure that comprehensive vetting is standard to protect both patients and staff. Implementing universal background checks and fostering a culture of accountability are essential steps in maintaining public trust and safety in emergency medical services.
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