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.

Standard of Care Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Long Pause Media | FlightBridgeED
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Podcast Overview
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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Publishing Since
11/23/2020
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Recent Episodes

January 10, 2026
No Defense for No Patient Found
<p>In this episode, Samantha and Nick examine a <strong>wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a non-transport decision</strong>—a case that highlights how quickly routine calls can turn into high-stakes legal events. The discussion centers on the death of a 26-year-old man with type 1 diabetes and a seizure disorder who requested transport, was left at home, and was later found deceased. Using the language of the actual court complaint, the episode explores the legal concept of <strong>public trust in EMS</strong> and what happens when that trust is alleged to be broken.</p><p>From a leadership and risk-management perspective, the episode dissects the <strong>duty to assess, document, and transport—or properly refuse</strong>. The hosts examine how documentation choices (“canceled – no patient found”), failure to contact medical control, and leaving a high-risk patient alone can dramatically shift the legal narrative. Particular attention is given to supervisory actions after the call, including how complaint handling, recorded phone conversations, and well-intentioned but poorly worded statements can unintentionally strengthen a plaintiff’s case.</p><p>The conversation also breaks down the <strong>legal mechanics of the lawsuit itself</strong>, including wrongful death, survivorship, and loss of consortium claims, as well as why a seemingly multimillion-dollar case may settle for far less. Throughout the episode, the emphasis remains on <strong>defensible decision-making</strong>, understanding administrative and civil liability exposure, and how EMS professionals can protect both patients and their licenses by aligning clinical judgment with documentation and protocol.</p><p><strong>Key takeaways</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Non-transport decisions carry legal weight:</strong> Refusing or discouraging transport in high-risk patients invites scrutiny.</li><li><strong>Documentation is your primary defense:</strong> “Canceled – no patient found” is nearly indefensible when patient contact occurred.</li><li><strong>Duty to assess does not end at the door:</strong> Seizure risk, diabetes, and being left alone matter legally and clinically.</li><li><strong>Medical control can help:</strong> Early physician involvement can shift responsibility and improve outcomes.</li><li><strong>Supervisors must handle complaints carefully:</strong> Poorly phrased responses can become admissions of fault.</li><li><strong>Assume you are being recorded:</strong> Phone calls, body cams, and bystanders can all end up in evidence.</li><li><strong>Do the right thing and write it down:</strong> Defensible care starts with sound clinical judgment and ends with accurate documentation.</li></ul>

October 19, 2025
Illumination of the Envenomation Situation
<p>When a paramedic in Kentucky faced a dying patient and a vial of antivenom, he had to make a split-second decision that could save a life… or end his career.</p><p>In this episode of The Standard of Care Podcast, hosts Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams unpack one of the most talked-about EMS legal stories of the year: a paramedic who administered a rare antivenom under physician direction, only to find himself facing potential loss of his license.</p><p>They break down the <strong>legal and ethical dilemmas</strong> behind the scope of practice, the <strong>real-world limits of medical direction</strong>, and what <strong>administrative law</strong> really means for providers in the field. Whether you’re an advanced clinician, a medic early in your career, or just starting in EMS, this episode offers insights that can protect your license — and your patients.</p><p>Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!</p><p><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Scope vs. survival:</strong> Following the book may not always match the field reality — but understanding the limits of your practice can be the difference between being cleared and being called before the board.</li><li><strong>Medical direction matters:</strong> Acting under direct physician orders may protect you legally, but not always administratively — and that nuance can decide the fate of your license.</li><li><strong>Administrative law 101:</strong> The state board doesn’t have discretion to ignore complaints; every case gets investigated. Knowing this process is essential to defending your practice.</li><li><strong>Culture check:</strong> Heroic instincts can lead to dangerous freelancing. True professionalism lies in humility, documentation, and system adherence.</li><li><strong>Protect your license:</strong> When facing an investigation, don’t go it alone. Hire an attorney familiar with administrative law. You wouldn’t run a resuscitation solo — don’t handle your legal defense solo either.</li></ul><p><strong>SHOWNOTES<br></strong>Givot, D. (2025, October 7). When Doing the Right Thing Breaks the Rules. EMS1. <a href="https://www.ems1.com/ems-protocols/when-doing-the-right-thing-breaks-the-rules">https://www.ems1.com/ems-protocols/when-doing-the-right-thing-breaks-the-rules</a></p><p> </p><p>Hawkins, T. (2025, September 28). Facebook Comment. October 10, 2025, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.heilmann/posts/this-is-the-best-breakdown-i-have-seen-/10108839286161953/">https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.heilmann/posts/this-is-the-best-breakdown-i-have-seen-/10108839286161953/</a></p><p> </p><p>Abo, B. (2025). Venom / Toxinology. Venom / Toxinology & Wildlife. <a href="https://www.abo911.org/venom-toxinology">https://www.abo911.org/venom-toxinology</a></p><p> </p><p>Williams, A. (2025, September 28). Expert Weighs in as Ky.. EMS Team Under Fire for Administering Antivenom. <a href="https://www.wkyt.com/">https://www.wkyt.com</a>. <a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2025/09/28/expert-weighs-ky-ems-team-under-fire-administrating-anti-venom/">https://www.wkyt.com/2025/09/28/expert-weighs-ky-ems-team-under-fire-administrating-anti-venom/</a></p>

April 18, 2025
Forcible Entry
<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>
30 total episodes available
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