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Firemen Going to Medical Calls that are not Medically Trained!
On my department a lot of our calls are medical calls and we've got 15-20 fireman that are medical trained for this reason and the ambulance will call use when they need assistance. But we get quite a few fireman that show up that are not trained at all, they might have cpr but thats it. Nobody seems to care about this that we've got untrained people trying to help out at medical calls. My question is, is this even legal and what would happen if it would ever go to court and what can be done to try to stop it. I just dont want a lawsuit and the other fireman are like it'll never happen, maybe I'm over reacting here I dont know.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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Jesus; have we run out of NEW discussions? This dead horse is over a year old.
Good Samaritan laws cover private citizens who attempt to help a person. But, they can still be sued. Anyone can sue or be sued in today's litigious society.
Anyone with professional training can only deliver medical care to THAT level. You are covered by insurance. If you deliver care above your scope and something happens, you and your service can be sued and it doesn't matter if you are paged out or not.
The people who look for a reason to sue typically go after the medical health providers, because they have a history of "settling" claims. They are forcing more and more people to drive on, look the other way and hesitating to help for fear of getting sued.
And HIPAA-please note that this is the CORRECT spelling of the ACRONYM-doesn't enter into it unless information is given out that could identify the patient.
Back on topic, firefighters can go on medical calls and not be trained if it is something that requires extrication or lift assist. As long as they do not administer aid to the patient, they are breaking no laws. If they are instructed to maintain C-spine traction, then you have crossed the line. They can go and get bandages; they cannot apply the bandages.
It's not that complicated.
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Permalink Reply by Perry Bryant on
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It is the same where we are.
You can get equipment and such, but cannot do patient care....glad I got my EMT-B so I can help.
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Permalink Reply by Erick Wendler on
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A law suit is a strong possibilty not only will the department be liable but also the board of directors and all the ones on that call
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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If they can follow directions and lift then they are welcome.....
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Permalink Reply by Loyd Dittfurth on
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dont forget about the medical director/control
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Permalink Reply by Lani on
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As long as they do not provide any pt care above their training level (like don't let them give an epi pen if all they have is CPR training) there is no risk...sometimes the extra hands are beneficial, someone has to take pt notes, scene clean up, bag carrier, etc....heck there has been more than one time I have been an IV pole! But, being in EMT-B class at the time I took the opportunity to observe and learn in the field.
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