Washington Supreme Court Concludes Public Duty Doctrine Limited to Statutory Duties

The Supreme Court of Washington has ruled that the public duty doctrine, one of the fire service’s most important defenses to negligence claims, only applies to statutorily created duties, not common law duties. The ruling came in a suit case brought against the Seattle Fire Department alleging firefighters responded to the wrong address.

Philadelphia Firefighter Claims His Officer Harassed Him After He Suffered a Heart Attack

A Philadelphia firefighter who claims he was harassed and bullied by his officer after returning to duty following a heart attack has filed suit claiming disability discrimination and retaliation. Perry Lawrynkiewicz filed suit in US District Court claiming violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and the City of Philadelphia’s Fair Practices Ordinance.

Heart Attack Victim Sues Fire Department Over Refusal to Transport

A California man who called 911 because he was having a heart attack has filed suit against the Sacramento Fire Department claiming personnel not only refused to transport him, but ridiculed him for “acting like a child.” Anwar Theekri filed suit in Sacramento County Superior Court naming the City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Fire Department.

West Virginia Supreme Court Upholds LODD Benefits to Widow

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia ruled today that the widow of a firefighter who suffered a heart attack after transporting a patient to the hospital is entitled to worker’s compensation dependent benefits. FF-EMT Garry Rose of the McMechen Volunteer Fire Department, died on February 6, 2015

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.

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 ...

Four EMS Workers Suspended Following NYPD Choke Hold Death

Four EMS workers have been suspended without pay following the death of a 43-year old African American man who was reportedly placed in a choke-hold by an NYPD officer. Eric Garner died last Thursday while being arrested for allegedly selling ...

DC Fire and EMS Sued for $17 million – Heart Attack not Acid Reflux

The mother of a man who died on December 3, 2008, has filed suit against the Washington DC Fire & EMS (FEMS) alleging that the city and Dr. James J. Augustine, the department’s former medical director, are responsible for his ...

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