W. Ann Maggiore, JD, NREMT-P, 2009 Aug 25, W. Ann Maggiore

A 2008 Kansas Court of Appeals case again demonstrates that the courts will uphold a patient's refusal -- and provide immunity for EMS -- when EMS properly assesses a patient's decisional capacity and...

W. Ann Maggiore, JD, NREMT-P, 2009 Mar 11, W. Ann Maggiore

A lot of confusion has arisen among EMS personnel regarding their response to accident scenes where they're subsequently told they're not needed. Another confusing scenario is when multiple people are...

W. Ann Maggiore, JD, NREMT-P, 2009 Mar 11, W. Ann Maggiore

The issue of patient consent is confusing enough, but when it involves minors as patients it can become even more difficult. It's important to remember at the outset that minors have no status under the...

W. Ann Maggiore, JD, NREMT-P, 2008 Oct 13, W. Ann Maggiore

Whether you work for a fire department or EMS agency, the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard for firefighter rehab affects you and your service. It outlines the responsibilities for...

W. Ann Maggiore, JD, NREMT-P, 2008 Jun 12, W. Ann Maggiore

I arrived home the other night in time to watch the evening news, which doesn't happen often these days. After the usual murder and mayhem, I suddenly saw the name of the fire department I previously worked...

W. Ann Maggiore, JD, NREMT-P, 2008 Feb 7, W. Ann Maggiore

Update: The state EMS office in Massachusetts is now reconsidering a reminder an edict that an ambulance with a patient on board may not stop at the scene of another medical emergency. The state EMS office...

W. Ann Maggiore, 2007 Dec 14, W. Ann Maggiore

As usual, I approach the holiday season with much trepidation. I've had the fun of doing CPR under a Christmas tree, and of responding to horrifying New Year's Eve trauma. For most EMS responders, the...

W. Ann Maggiore, 2007 Nov 7, W. Ann Maggiore

As part of a cooperative agreement, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the United States Fire Administration (USFA), with assistance from the Oregon Health & Science University, examined...

W. Ann Maggiore, JD, NREMT-P, 2007 Oct 4, W. Ann Maggiore

EMS providers often express concern about the meaning of the term “abandonment.” In EMS, it can happen in a number of ways. It is important for field providers to know what abandonment is — and what it...

W. Ann Maggiore, 2007 Aug 23, W. Ann Maggiore

One crew of San Diego firefighters/EMTs has now filed EEOC complaints and intend to file suit against the city for sending them to participate in the city’s gay pride parade while on duty. The crew alleges...