Legal Issues
The legal issues topic contains news and information about legal issues affecting EMS personnel, agencies or departments. Find the latest news from personnel misconduct, to disciplinary and harassment cases, to malpractice lawsuits, as well as advice to prevent legal action with EMS training, documentation and management.
Understand the four components of a negligent act and how to protect yourself from a negligence claim
EMS and law enforcement collaborative training helps prepare responders to treat and monitor patients experiencing a constellation of symptoms
A case in New Mexico highlights the importance of thorough assessments after paramedics deemed a patient’s self-inflicted gunshot wound unsurvivable
Attorneys for the Ohio patient and her husband allege that the paramedics were negligent
The actions were not the “final disposition of this entire matter,” said Matt Gibbs, an attorney for the state Department of Health
A Charlotte Fire crew, not EMS, was dispatched after police first called for help; once on scene, firefighters called Medic to treat Jovontay Williams, who later died
Chief Gary Ludwig joins to discuss the role of public safety leadership in preventing tragedy on scene, and weighs in on the EMS body camera debate
The Fort Worth engine sustained minor damage and was found about two blocks away
Former Yellow Breeches leader Douglas Allen Shields was the student’s supervisor
Compassion elevates emergency medical care to a ministry of kindness
“‘He intentionally tried to kill us,’” Neha Patel told paramedics, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe
I know Memphis Fire, and while the inactions of three members should not reflect on the entire FD, we must learn from these fatal errors
A convicted offender could face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
The key to understanding how others see us is to first see ourselves clearly
Personnel feel unrecognized, many do not trust agency leaders and few are willing to recommend their career to others. How can we fix this?
EMTs Robert Long and JaMicheal Sandridge “failed to conduct an adequate patient assessment of Mr. Nichols,” according to a FD statement
The department expects to complete its investigation into the role of two fire department members present at the fatal police-involved incident next week
Ambulnz Paramedic Lisa Sillins was walking to an employee parking lot when a van struck her
Our cohosts, shocked by the bodycam footage in the case of the Ill. EMTs charged with murder, discuss how apathy can develop and how leaders can prevent it
According to the charges, the man grabbed the EMT’s thigh despite being strapped to a gurney during transport — all in front of a police officer
Teaching points from the ‘malpractice or murder’ case: Action steps for EMS practitioners
"[The city] had an overriding interest in preserving the public’s trust in Cleveland EMS’s capacity to serve the public,” Appeals Judge Chad Readler wrote
Generate learning and improvement opportunities for the organization, citizens and stakeholders
The restraint policy states that a patient is never to be transported in a prone position and calls for regular circulation checks
The Memphis Fire Department’s decision follows the firing of five city police officers over the alleged use of force and failure to render aid to Tyre Nichols
Plainfield found out that a squad employee embezzled funds, and the chief had been responding to calls without a current state EMT certification
“We must never, ever forego the safety of our patients because we are angry, tired, hungry, cold or irritated,” one commenter wrote
The state health department suspended the Walla Walla man’s paramedic license, making him ineligible for paid leave, a city spokesperson said
Over 100 fire and EMS personnel responded to the blaze that killed a 13-year-old boy and hurt a total of five people
The department dismissed Dakota Ibrahim and suspended Joseph Schultz; Leonardo Guerrero died after being strapped to a stretcher in an ambulance
If convicted, Peggy Finley and Peter Cadigan could each face 20 to 60 years in prison
“I hope to continue to nurture our relationship, taking into consideration the needs of the boots on the ground,” Chief Michael Fields said
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