Legal And Ethical

Bill would tighten medical alert service rules

A draft of legislation intended to create government oversight of medical alert services says providers should request emergency help immediately if a subscriber fails to respond to voice-to-voice communication or face hefty fines for injuries.

Posted Thursday, September 6, 2007

Sleepy Hollow EMTs at odds with police chief over stun-gun case

SLEEPY HOLLOW - Police Chief Jimmy Warren did not wait for a paramedic to evaluate a 16-year-old who was shocked with a stun gun before deciding the boy did not require further medical treatment.

Posted Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Use of Fire/EMS Property and Personnel for Private Interest

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 they were forced to participate in the parade, which exposed them to sexual harassment.

Posted Thursday, August 23, 2007

Use of Fire/EMS Property and Personnel for Private Interest

Posted Thursday, August 23, 2007

Controversial five-minute rule may become new policy

MUNDY TOWNSHIP, Michigan - The township fire department likely will find itself subject to a policy that prohibits it from responding to medical calls if an ambulance service can do it faster.

Posted Monday, August 20, 2007

Has the EMS world gone lawsuit crazy?

Dear Mr. Werfel, Has the EMS world gone lawsuit crazy over the last year or what? Is it really necessary for an EMT instructor to carry malpractice insurance?

Posted Friday, August 17, 2007

Has the EMS world gone lawsuit crazy?

Dear Mr. Werfel, Has the EMS world gone lawsuit crazy over the last year or what? Is it really necessary for an EMT instructor to carry malpractice insurance?

Posted Friday, August 17, 2007

Arizona public safety officers connected to steroid investigation

PHOENIX - Authorities confirmed that more than a dozen Phoenix firefighters and one Mesa police officer are connected to a steroid investigation being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Posted Thursday, August 16, 2007

CMS Proposes One Rule & Withdraws Another

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed a rule in the July 12 Federal Register that would require ambulance staff to sign a statement during transport if a Medicare beneficiary is mentally or physically unable to sign a claim form and has no representative available to do so.

Posted Wednesday, August 15, 2007

County's medical protocols rankle some area fire chiefs

FENTON - Area fire chiefs say new protocols mandated by the county medical control authority could compromise patient care and will tax already budget-strapped departments.

Posted Tuesday, August 14, 2007