DrParasite
The fire extinguisher is not just for show
- 6,199
- 2,054
- 113
the better question is, do you a link to any court case where an EMT or Paramedic was found guilty for not stopping?
Needing to Vent
- Thread starter crazycajun
- Start date
- 11,032
- 1,479
- 113
Nope, because I'm not the one saying there's a duty to act while off duty.
medicRob
Forum Deputy Chief
- 1,754
- 3
- 0
As I said to the OP, if you can't show code annotated for it, I have to throw up the BS Flag.
I think it is funny that all of you who claimed that you have duty to act while off duty, have yet to post a single law which states you do. Therefore, if anyone else is going to claim that this is true, post the law that says it from the official website of the state or Michie.
DrParasite
The fire extinguisher is not just for show
- 6,199
- 2,054
- 113
that was directed toward AMF (or anyone else who is claiming an off-duty duty to act exists), not you FFEMS8978.
I don't usually get involved, with my luck it will be some train wreck, with amputations, posturing, ejection and a crowning ob in the back, so I take out my handy dandy cell phone and dial the magic number.
However I believe some professional courtesy should be extended to a provider who off duty stops to assist, its it going to kill you to be polite.
The problem is, egotistical, arrogant and ignorance are prevalent in EMS to the point where at times a slap up side the head is warranted.
I always thank a provider or bystander who gets involved. Then again I'm not on a power trip, and I don't get my rocks off insulting good samaritans.
However I believe some professional courtesy should be extended to a provider who off duty stops to assist, its it going to kill you to be polite.
The problem is, egotistical, arrogant and ignorance are prevalent in EMS to the point where at times a slap up side the head is warranted.
I always thank a provider or bystander who gets involved. Then again I'm not on a power trip, and I don't get my rocks off insulting good samaritans.
abckidsmom
Dances with Patients
- 3,380
- 5
- 36
Not sure how it works where you are, but all of the departments I've ever worked for that were dispatched by a PSAP had contracts with the locality that gave them jurisdiction. Even vollies, even stupid vollies....somewhere there's a government agency giving them authority.
Duty to act starts when you are invited. That invitation comes in the form of dispatch, which begins the relationship between you and the patient. Driving down the road and witnessing an accident gives me no duty to act. I usually have a carload of children with me...how could my certification override my burden to provide them with safety and supervision? And there is certainly no loophole for extenuating circumstances in a healthcare provider duty to act law; they either do or do not have the duty to act.
- 11,032
- 1,479
- 113
This thread has prompted me to update the Duty to Act thread at the top of this forum
If I show up on scene, and the FD requests me to grab something to take over PT care, i.e. a backboard or collar, I'll do it.
If someone with a higher level of training does, I'll do it.
If some random guy is going "I'M AN EMT I'M AN EMT GET ME THIS STUFF THIS IS MY PT" I'm going to ask the police to escort them from the scene, in handcuffs if necessary. If you're not on duty and you're not part of the responding company, it's not your PT.
If someone with a higher level of training does, I'll do it.
If some random guy is going "I'M AN EMT I'M AN EMT GET ME THIS STUFF THIS IS MY PT" I'm going to ask the police to escort them from the scene, in handcuffs if necessary. If you're not on duty and you're not part of the responding company, it's not your PT.
medicRob
Forum Deputy Chief
- 1,754
- 3
- 0
Or a bus full of hemophiliac orphans crashing into a glass truck in front of the factor VIII factory.
Small amendment to my post, reading what CAO posted...
If a bystander on scene IS making himself useful, EMT or otherwise, I'm fine with it IF they don't get in the way or start being pushy. The OP sounds like he felt, despite being off duty, it was his scene, which is never the case. However, if someone off duty gives a brief report and then says "I'll keep holding c-spine if you'd like" I'll say "Sure" and thank him, assuming he knows what he's doing
If a bystander on scene IS making himself useful, EMT or otherwise, I'm fine with it IF they don't get in the way or start being pushy. The OP sounds like he felt, despite being off duty, it was his scene, which is never the case. However, if someone off duty gives a brief report and then says "I'll keep holding c-spine if you'd like" I'll say "Sure" and thank him, assuming he knows what he's doing
reaper
Working Bum
- 2,817
- 75
- 48
Florida has no duty to act law.
Last edited by a moderator:
- 11,032
- 1,479
- 113
That list is in this thread, Duty to Act, which is stickied at the top of this forum
http://www.emtlife.com/showthread.php?t=5825
Looking through the thread, the following states have a duty to act law when off duty: Florida (if part of a government agency), Minnesota, New Mexico, and Vermont.
Last edited by a moderator:
Ok, I couldn't find it, I thought I was hallucinating.
Sasha
Forum Chief
- 7,667
- 11
- 0
Fl does not
It may be law only, I remember when that firefighter was killed off duty when he stopped at an accident to help. His wife fought for benefits, the court ordered them paid because the firefighter had a "duty to act" because he was in his jurisdiction.
I try'll to find the story.
- 11,032
- 1,479
- 113
Re-reading the actual law, that may be correct. However, if they do stop to respond, they are covered by Workman's Comp which means they are on duty.
Gotcha, that definitely could be the case.
- 11,032
- 1,479
- 113