Legal And Ethical

Speaking of Emergencies

Judith Acosta provides answers for two readers who struggle with what to say to concerned family members on scene.

Posted Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Rhode Island Subscription Considered Illegal

For nearly five decades, residents in Pawcatuck paid a fee to have an ambulance service in neighboring Rhode Island respond to their calls.

Posted Friday, August 28, 2009

Tennessee Family Files $7.5M Lawsuit on Response Time

A Cocke County man's mother and stepfather have filed a $7.5 million lawsuit claiming a long ambulance response left him in a permanent semi-vegetative state.

Posted Friday, August 28, 2009

Last Word

Louisiana toll bridge charges EMS; EMT recertifies after major disability; English medics suspended after death of patient; and more.

Posted Thursday, August 27, 2009

Florida EMS Director Pulls Certifications

"We're going to have to stand there and wait to give life-saving medication until an ambulance arrives at the scene. That puts our guys in a pretty hard spot."

Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Ambulance Runs Over Homeless Man

Posted Monday, August 24, 2009

Ohio EMT Board Ducks Death-Penalty Flap

The Ohio EMS board has no authority over EMTs who administer lethal drugs in state executions.

Posted Friday, August 21, 2009

Court Backs EMS Providers Who Accept Patient Refusal

A 2008 Kansas Court of Appeals case demonstrates that the courts will uphold a patient's refusal, thereby providing immunity for EMS providers who acquiesce to patients' wishes after determining they are of sound mind.

Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Court Backs EMS Providers Who Accept Patient Refusal

Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Needles Stolen from Tenn. Ambulance

The theft of hypodermic needles from a Bedford County ambulance Friday wasn't discovered until their container was opened during an emergency call several hours later, officials said.

Posted Tuesday, August 18, 2009