Florida Fire Departments Investigating Allegations of … I’m Not Sure

Posted by: Curt Varone October 7, 2015 1 Comment

Firefighters from two Florida fire departments being investigated over allegations they gained access to test questions for a pediatric advanced life support certification program.

Orange County Fire Rescue and the Orlando Fire Department are both investigating allegations that firefighters somehow gained access to exam questions that are used to certify personnel in Pedi ALS…

What is rather sad to me is how the media is jumping to the conclusion that what the firefighters did was cheating… when quite obviously the reporters covering the stories do not even understand what the exams are, how they actually relate to the job of firefighters (paramedics), who administers the exams (the American Heart Association????), and what the impact would actually be if the firefighters did access the actual exam questions improperly as opposed to accessing a bank of practice questions that students of all types (including law students) use to prepare for examinations.

Apparently the media never wants to let a good headline go to waste by digging a little deeper before pulling the trigger… but seriously… to the point of suggesting that children might be in danger… I am not taking sides in this – and I am certainly not supporting anyone involved in another EMS cheating scandal – all I am pointing out is the absurdity of this headline-pimping rush to judgment.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
© Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
x

Check Also

Sacramento Settles Restraint Death Suit for $4.45 Million

The City of Sacramento has agreed to settle a wrongful death suit with the family of a man who died while being restrained during an EMS response, for $4.45 million. Reginald “Reggie” Payne, 48, suffered a cardic arrest while being restrained by police, who responded at the request of firefighters.

FDNY Prevails in Trademark Case With Medic

The US Second Circuit Court of Appeals has handed down a ruling in favor of FDNY concluding that a trademark owned by an FDNY paramedic in the name of "Medical Special Operations Conference" cannot be enforce because it is descriptive.