Good Samaritan Law

[M&M]

I know, this is probably a stupid question but here it goes anyway. This guy I work with is on a volunteer fire rescue squad. He and other firefighters on the dept are not EMTs but they still go on calls w/o any type of emt on board. They are saying that it falls on the good sam law 'cause they're not getting paid for it. However, their dept. gets paid for the call. They shouldn't be able to do that legally, right? We need to have at least one emt on our volunteer squad before we can roll. Let me know, I'm no legal expert. But I don't want them to get into trouble either.

[IAMedic]

I don't know your state's statute, but if you are responding as an emergency provider, you are usually not covered under Good Samaritan. This is a good question for your local EMS Bureau representative and F.D. attorney.

[EMSsquirrel]

Is the FD acting as a first responder, or are they a primary transport unit?

- Greg

[latigo]

Sounds like my local FD. I am currently avoiding them, as they have repeatedly done this. As a matter of fact, when I first joined, and didn't know any better, I was told this was ok, and that since I was on the FD I could take Pts in myself with no training. Once I knew better, I didn't. But they have gotten their hands caught in the cookie jar a few times, now we don't have a medical director, the state attorney is looking into formal charges, and there is no local responder service. Our town is relying on the county services around us, the closest being about 12 miles away. Not a good situation, and explain to your friend that he could be liable for civil and criminal charges. To keep my certs and good standing, I am avoiding them like the plague. Your friend should too.

[volparamedic]

In K-Town to run call as vol ems provider you have to quailfy as 1st responder service through our academy of medicine. They will tell you what is minimal for the type of service you will provide. To transport the state requires an F (for hire) endorsement on driver's license. Services in TN have to have at least an EMT on the truck and the other can be a driver unless the city/county states otherwise. To have protocols/give treatment you must have a medical director to work under or you can't do anything. Run like the old days...you call we haul. You can check with your state ems director.

Duty to Act.....responding to a call to provide the care and transport for the patient

[Nate]

I would have to agree with the ones above...you'd better check with your departments lawyer or your states health department.