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.
Learn how ATCEMS identified EMS training goals and implemented an assault reporting function to protect providers from violence
A Maryland paramedic recounts a patient assault, and the emergency services director and police chief detail legal options
In the spirit of today’s theme, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable members of the EMS community who go beyond the call every shift
“I am proud of what I have contributed, but I’m even prouder of the personal and professional relationships I’ve forged,” Terry said
Poor decisions impact the public trust in the agency and the profession
A criminal complaint says that Ricardo Garza and Christine Maria Ramirez were using an ambulance to transport a Mexican man
Kevin Pressley, with the Brookhaven Fire Company, told investigators he deleted the photos after the patient woke up
A man approached the ambulance crew in the rig, wielding a wooden tree stake, and began “smashing windows and trying to assault them”
Clinical psychologist Rachelle Zemlok, a firefighter spouse, emphasizes the role first responder families play in career decisions
Chief Paramedic Mark Lockhart shares the 9-month process Durham EMS underwent to significantly increase EMS salaries
While tending to a patient on scene, Seattle firefighters were attacked by a double amputee who tried to intentionally slam into them with his motorized wheelchair
“Words are difficult to come by” the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services posted on Facebook
Aurora Local 1290 union president: “If they’re going to give us a sedative, we need some sort of protections for our membership for legal aspects”
The Honolulu Fire Department is leading the investigation with assistance from federal, state and local agencies
According to the lawsuit, Somerville police administered two doses of naloxone to Jonathan C. Reina Jr., 19, who refused treatment and transportation by paramedics
Christopher Pattinson is said to have stolen from Denver Health over three years
AmbuServe’s Melissa Harris discusses EMS staffing and leadership challenges
Elverson-Honey Brook Area EMS fired Jason McCully, who admitted to owning a toiletry bag containing a camera that was found in the restroom
A Kunkel Ambulance spokesperson said employees were cleaning the rig between shifts when Vanessa Armstead got in and drove away
He was on scene as the EMS incident command and said more than 100 EMS, fire and police personnel from several municipalities and counties responded
The NREMT Chair gives a behind-the-scenes look at the comment period and talks transparency
According to the suit, William Miller died on a stretcher at Yale New Haven Hospital after ingesting a substance he believed was laced with fentanyl in 2021
A previous billing vendor for Lee County Emergency Medical Services was affected
“We are currently operating with 60 percent of our current staffing,” said New Orleans EMS Director Dr. Meg Marino
U.S. District Judge Dan Polster said in his ruling that the money will be used to fight the opioid crisis in Lake and Trumbull counties
Do you want someone that is tired and angry on the front lines representing your department?
EMS agencies focus on patient care, but customer service is equally important
Robert Marshall allegedly used the stolen card for $800 in purchases
EMS leaders should set clear expectations for everyone, which must be communicated and upheld
Rotterdam EMS plans to replace three of its five ambulances and update one of its two stations
New opportunities for EMS providers means agencies must be willing to address pay, morale and poor leadership
The Roanoke County Police Department and the county’s internal auditor are investigating the Hollins Fire and Rescue Volunteer Squad
We can add “passionate” into our wish list in EMS educators, but can we demand it? Can we measure it?