ems-topics

Oregon Woman Seeks $2 Million Alleging Negligent Management of Controlled Substances

An Oregon woman who claims she was sexually abused and given stolen drugs by a fire department paramedic has filed suit against the department and an area hospital. The plaintiff, identified as AH, is seeking $2 million in damages from the Eugene-Springfield Fire Department, PeaceHealth, the City of Eugene and the City of Springfield.

Podcast Episode 35: Interview With Attorney For Disciplined Michigan Firefighters In Mistaken Death Pronouncement

In this episode, Curt and Attorney Kali Henderson discuss the suit she just filed on behalf of four Southfield firefighters who were disciplined by the Michigan Department of Health and Oakland County after a patient was declared dead, released to a funeral home, and found to be alive hours later by funeral home staff preparing to embalm her.

Bellingham Intubation Training Suit Settled for $175k

The City of Bellingham, Washington has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by the widow of a man whose body was used by firefighters to practice their intubation skills for $175,000. Jai Ginn’s federal court suit against the city, eleven firefighters, and Whatcom County’s medical program director alleged a due process violation and tortious interference with a dead body.

Lawsuit Challenges California’s Limit on Two-Time Felons Becoming EMTs

A seasonal wildland firefighter from California has filed suit seeking to challenge the California Emergency Medical Services Authority’s rule that prohibits two-time felons from being certified as EMTs. Dario Gurrola filed suit last week alleging a violation of the 14th Amendment...

Narcan and EMS

Today’s burning question: Can a fire department that is not a licensed EMS provider equip its apparatus and train its personnel to carry and administer Narcan? Answer: Due to the opioid-crisis, most states are taking a rather unprecedented approach to Narcan by treating as an intervention that is in the nature of a first aid treatment that anyone can administer.

FDNY EMS Officers File FLSA Class Action

Five FDNY EMS officers have filed suit against the city alleging they were wrongly denied compensation for pre- and post-shift meetings, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The suit alleges that the officers were required to be present for 15 to 30 minutes per shift to exchange of information with other officers at shift changes.

Intoxication, Reports, Facts And Conclusions

Today’s Burning Question: I am a firefighter paramedic and we were told that noting in a patient care report that we suspect that a patient is under the influence of alcohol can get us into trouble. In fact one paramedic reportedly got ripped apart in court by even using the word alcohol in his report. What are we supposed to do? If I write in my report that the patient smelled of alcohol am I really sticking my neck out?

Minnesota Firefighters on Leave Following Stoppage of Care at Nursing Home

Six members of the Maplewood, Minnesota Fire Department including the fire chief have been placed on administrative leave following a police investigation into the death of a 71-year old nursing home patient. According to news report, firefighters were called to the scene of a nursing home on August 7, 2015 where CPR was in progress.

Virginia Firefighters Claim City Failed to Pay EMS Incentive

Eleven current and former firefighters from Winchester, Virginia have filed suit against the city and former Fire Chief Frank Wright claiming they were wrongfully denied thousands of dollars in incentive pay dating back to 2006. The lawsuit filed last Friday in Winchester Circuit Court is listed as a breach of contract action in the court file.

Fire Law Podcast – Duty to Act, A Real Life Story

In this episode, Curt explores the connection between the law relating to duty to act and real life in a discussion with Fire Commissioner Dave Phillips, of the Washingtonville Fire District, in New York State. Commissioner Phillips suffered a heart attack and was brought back to life thorough the valiant efforts of his son, an FDNY firefighter, and a local EMS unit.

Woman Sues FDNY Over Ambulance Injuries

A Brooklyn woman has filed suit against New York City claiming that carelessness by two FDNY EMS workers caused a severe laceration to her leg. Jacqueline Vanderhorst, 58, alleges that EMTs “shoved her” into an ambulance last July resulting in a would that took 21 stitches to close

AED Reporting Requirements and Fire Departments

Today’s burning question: I heard that anyone who acquires an AED has to report it under federal, state and local law. Is that true and if so, to whom do I as fire chief, have to report it to? Answer: As a fire department, chances are we are already complying with the AED reporting requirements, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to review the law ...

The Need for Liability Insurance

Today’s burning question: I am a Paramedic and EMS instructor. I just got my annual renewal notice for my malpractice insurance coverage. Do providers really need personal coverage?

Philadelphia Ambulance Locked Door Suit Removed to Federal Court

The wrongful death suit involving a pregnant Philadelphia woman who died in October 2012 after the rear doors on a Philadelphia Fire Department ambulance would not unlock is now in federal court. Joanne Rodriguez died on October 1, 2012 and ...

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