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.
Including clear, complete documentation in your patient care report is a critical component of patient care
The books were used to illustrate key concepts, support the speaker’s principles or to call on other leaders to be lifelong learners
Firefighter/EMT-turned-attorney Steve Wirth addressed the criminalization of medical errors in cases like the Elijah McClain trial
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?
Chief U.S. District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. ruled that they were shielded from civil liability under qualified immunity
Kareim McKnight filed a lawsuit claiming that a medic, under the direction of a police sergeant, injected her against her will while she was handcuffed
Metro Aviation was ordered to reinstate the Utah pilot and to pay $188,000 in back wages and damages following an OSHA investigation
All three Premier Health crew members had minor injuries, but the helicopter took “substantial” damage, the National Transportation Safety Board said
“Financially, we are getting by,” said John Doucette, Gilbertsville Ambulance’s interim chief of operations. “We’re making payroll and paying our bills.”
Reframing emergencies, and what constitutes a “good” call is essential to preventing paramedic disillusionment
