by Long Pause Media | FlightBridgeED
Back in EMT class there was one page in the textbook that covered legal issues in pre-hospital medicine. Our world is increasingly more complicated and as a result, one page just doesn't cover it anymore. In this podcast, Sam and Nick discuss important, relevant and modern aspects of EMS law that may have been overlooked in class.
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April 18, 2025
<p><strong>When does doing nothing become negligence?<br></strong><br></p><p>In this gripping episode of The Standard of Care Podcast, hosts Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams explore two real-world legal cases in which EMS providers were sued—not for what they did but for what they didn’t do. The central issue is the failure to forcibly enter a residence during a medical alert activation and its devastating consequences.</p><p>This conversation explores pre-hospital providers' legal, ethical, and practical responsibilities when responding to calls that may require forced entry. From Life Alert activations to one-ring 911 calls and silent apartments with growing stacks of mail, this episode examines the critical decisions providers face when balancing patient care, property damage, and personal liability.</p><p>You’ll walk away with actionable insights, fundamental policy considerations, and a deeper understanding of your “duty to act” when the door stays closed.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>For providers with advanced responsibilities: Legal precedent is shifting—standing outside the door and “erring on the side of caution” may no longer protect you in court. If your system doesn’t give you the tools or authority to act decisively, it’s time to start the policy conversation.</li><li>For providers early in their practice: Knowing how and when to involve law enforcement or fire services during a potential forced entry call is critical. Policies are not just guidelines—they’re your legal armor.</li><li>For those just beginning in EMS: Just because the lights are off and no one answers the door doesn’t mean no one is home—or in danger. Learning when to escalate, who to call, and how to document your decision could be the essential skill you acquire early in your career.</li></ul><p><strong>References</strong></p><p><a href="https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/Standard-Of-Care/Handout_ch37.pdf">https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/Standard-Of-Care/Handout_ch37.pdf</a></p><p>https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/Standard-Of-Care/Handout_ch38.pdf<strong><br></strong> </p><p><a href="https://www.firelawblog.com/2011/06/16/duty-to-act-right-to-enter-their-well-being-our-well-being/">https://www.firelawblog.com/2011/06/16/duty-to-act-right-to-enter-their-well-being-our-well-being/</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/lawsuit-philadelphia-geneva-mackrides-death-senior-living-facility/4127192/">https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/lawsuit-philadelphia-geneva-mackrides-death-senior-living-facility/4127192/</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/family-lawsuit-claims-north-philly-man-died-emts-left/4138474/">https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/family-lawsuit-claims-north-philly-man-died-emts-left/4138474/</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://6abc.com/post/another-lawsuit-filed-city-philadelphia-ems-response/16045833/">https://6abc.com/post/another-lawsuit-filed-city-philadelphia-ems-response/16045833/</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.ems1.com/legal/philadelphia-family-files-lawsuit-over-ems-failing-to-aid-father-after-unanswered-knock">https://www.ems1.com/legal/philadelphia-family-files-lawsuit-over-ems-failing-to-aid-father-after-unanswered-knock</a></p><p> </p> <br><p><strong>FAST25 | May 19-21, 2025 | Lexington, KY<br></strong><br></p><p>🔥 <strong>FAST25 is back—bigger, bolder, and hotter than ever!</strong> 🔥</p><p>This isn’t just another conference—a <strong>high-energy, immersive experience</strong> for pre-hospital and critical care transport pros. <strong>Expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and unfiltered discussions</strong> will take your practice to the next level.</p><p>🚀 <strong>New for 2025: The Creator Festival</strong> – Featuring <strong>“Burnt Ones,”</strong> a spicy take on <strong>Hot Ones</strong>, where top EMS creators tackle scorching hot wings while answering the most challenging questions in the industry. Expect <strong>live demos, interactive exhibits, and big-name influencers</strong> sharing their insight in a way you won’t find anywhere else.</p><p>Plus, a <strong>killer vendor experience, special guests, catered lunches, and after-hours events</strong> that make networking effortless and enjoyable. <strong>FAST25 is where it all happens.<br></strong><br></p><p>📍 <strong>Central Bank Center | Lexington, KY</strong><br>🏨 <strong>Hilton Lexington/Downtown </strong>(special rates available!)<br>🎟️ <strong>Tickets are limited—grab yours now:</strong> <a href="https://flightbridgeed.com/fast25">flightbridgeed.com/fast25</a></p>
March 25, 2025
<p><strong>What happens when a determination of death GOES WRONG?</strong></p><p>In this episode of the Standard of Care Podcast, hosts Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams break down a real and heartbreaking case where EMS medics declared a 14-year-old patient deceased—only for him to be resuscitated at the hospital nearly an hour later. The fallout? A legal battle that made its way to the Supreme Court, and a patient left with devastating consequences.</p><p>With legal nuance and clinical insight, Samantha and Nick walk through the case from street to courtroom. They explore the intersection of qualified immunity, the complexities of assessing patients with conditions like cerebral palsy, and the chilling legal and ethical risks that come with the determination of death in the field. This episode will change the way you view determination of death—and might just save your career someday.</p><p>Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or directly at <a href="https://flightbridgeed.com">https://flightbridgeed.com/standard-of-care/</a>. While you’re there, explore our award-winning and nationally recognized courses that are helping thousands of providers stay sharp, safe, and legally sound.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Don’t shortcut your assessment. "Cold to the touch" and single-lead asystole aren’t enough—especially in patients with neurological conditions that can present atypically.</li><li>Qualified immunity protects government providers—until it doesn’t. It's not a license to cut corners.</li><li>Thorough documentation and a second-by-second account of your decision-making process can be your legal lifeline.</li><li>Cross-agency coordination and quality assurance are essential. What one crew misses, another might catch—but how that’s handled matters.</li><li>EMT and paramedic education rarely prepares you for the weight of calling a death. Clinical training must evolve to meet that responsibility.</li><li>When in doubt, initiate resuscitation. Let the ER be the place of final determination—not the living room.</li></ul><p><br></p><strong>References</strong><ul><li>Stacy Williams, on behalf of her minor grandson, J.J. v. Andrew Williams and Joe Spradlin, United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, Civil Action File No. 4:23-cv-289 (January 26, 2023), available at <a href="https://bencrump.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Doc.-1.-Plaintiffs-Original-Complaint.pdf">https://bencrump.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Doc.-1.-Plaintiffs-Original-Complaint.pdf</a></li><li>FOX 26 Digital. (2023, February 2). Lawsuit Filed Against Houston Paramedics Who Refused Emergency Care to Disabled Teen. FOX 26 Houston. <a href="https://www.fox26houston.com/news/lawsuit-filed-against-paramedics-who-refused-emergency-care-to-disabled-teen">https://www.fox26houston.com/news/lawsuit-filed-against-paramedics-who-refused-emergency-care-to-disabled-teen</a></li><li> Wallace, R. (2025, January 10). US Supreme Court Declines Case of 2 Houston Paramedics Who Mistakenly Declared Teen Dead. FOX 26 Houston. <a href="https://www.fox26houston.com/news/us-supreme-court-declines-case-2-houston-paramedics-who-mistakenly-declared-teen-dead">https://www.fox26houston.com/news/us-supreme-court-declines-case-2-houston-paramedics-who-mistakenly-declared-teen-dead</a></li></ul> <br><p><strong>FAST25 | May 19-21, 2025 | Lexington, KY<br></strong><br></p><p>🔥 <strong>FAST25 is back—bigger, bolder, and hotter than ever!</strong> 🔥</p><p>This isn’t just another conference—a <strong>high-energy, immersive experience</strong> for pre-hospital and critical care transport pros. <strong>Expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and unfiltered discussions</strong> will take your practice to the next level.</p><p>🚀 <strong>New for 2025: The Creator Festival</strong> – Featuring <strong>“Burnt Ones,”</strong> a spicy take on <strong>Hot Ones</strong>, where top EMS creators tackle scorching hot wings while answering the most challenging questions in the industry. Expect <strong>live demos, interactive exhibits, and big-name influencers</strong> sharing their insight in a way you won’t find anywhere else.</p><p>Plus, a <strong>killer vendor experience, special guests, catered lunches, and after-hours events</strong> that make networking effortless and enjoyable. <strong>FAST25 is where it all happens.<br></strong><br></p><p>📍 <strong>Central Bank Center | Lexington, KY</strong><br>🏨 <strong>Hilton Lexington/Downtown </strong>(special rates available!)<br>🎟️ <strong>Tickets are limited—grab yours now:</strong> <a href="https://flightbridgeed.com/fast25">flightbridgeed.com/fast25</a></p>
January 22, 2025
<p>In this episode of The Standard of Care Podcast, Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams tackle a harrowing real-life EMS case involving a catastrophic ambulance fire in Honolulu, Hawaii. A routine oxygen tank switch turned deadly, sparking conversations around scene safety, equipment maintenance, and the legal standards EMS providers face. Explore the chilling details, from the moment the fire erupted to the ensuing lawsuit against EMS providers and manufacturers. This case shines a spotlight on the intersection of clinical practice and legal implications, offering critical insights for providers at every level.</p><p>Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or at <a href="https://flightbridgeed.com">FlightBridgeED.com</a>. While you’re there, explore our award-winning courses designed to elevate your practice and recertification goals.</p><p> <strong>Key Takeaways<br></strong>Advanced Insight: The importance of maintaining oxygen equipment, understanding contamination risks (e.g., oil or grease in oxygen regulators), and mitigating dangers in oxygen-rich environments.</p><p>Practical Tip: Always ensure proper protocol when switching oxygen tanks, such as turning off regulators during transitions and verifying equipment cleanliness.</p><p>Foundational Learning: Scene safety remains paramount—never compromise personal safety when responding to emergencies, regardless of perceived public expectations.</p>
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