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.
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.
They break down the legal and ethical dilemmas behind the scope of practice, the real-world limits of medical direction, and what administrative law 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.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
SHOWNOTES
Givot, D. (2025, October 7). When Doing the Right Thing Breaks the Rules. EMS1. https://www.ems1.com/ems-protocols/when-doing-the-right-thing-breaks-the-rules
Hawkins, T. (2025, September 28). Facebook Comment. October 10, 2025, https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.heilmann/posts/this-is-the-best-breakdown-i-have-seen-/10108839286161953/
Abo, B. (2025). Venom / Toxinology. Venom / Toxinology & Wildlife. https://www.abo911.org/venom-toxinology
Williams, A. (2025, September 28). Expert Weighs in as Ky.. EMS Team Under Fire for Administering Antivenom. https://www.wkyt.com. https://www.wkyt.com/2025/09/28/expert-weighs-ky-ems-team-under-fire-administrating-anti-venom/
When does doing nothing become negligence?
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.
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.
You’ll walk away with actionable insights, fundamental policy considerations, and a deeper understanding of your “duty to act” when the door stays closed.
Key Takeaways
References
https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/Standard-Of-Care/Handout_ch37.pdf
https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/Standard-Of-Care/Handout_ch38.pdf
https://www.firelawblog.com/2011/06/16/duty-to-act-right-to-enter-their-well-being-our-well-being/
https://6abc.com/post/another-lawsuit-filed-city-philadelphia-ems-response/16045833/
FAST25 | May 19-21, 2025 | Lexington, KY
🔥 FAST25 is back—bigger, bolder, and hotter than ever! 🔥
This isn’t just another conference—a high-energy, immersive experience for pre-hospital and critical care transport pros. Expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and unfiltered discussions will take your practice to the next level.
🚀 New for 2025: The Creator Festival – Featuring “Burnt Ones,” a spicy take on Hot Ones, where top EMS creators tackle scorching hot wings while answering the most challenging questions in the industry. Expect live demos, interactive exhibits, and big-name influencers sharing their insight in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Plus, a killer vendor experience, special guests, catered lunches, and after-hours events that make networking effortless and enjoyable. FAST25 is where it all happens.
📍 Central Bank Center | Lexington, KY
🏨 Hilton Lexington/Downtown (special rates available!)
🎟️ Tickets are limited—grab yours now: flightbridgeed.com/fast25
What happens when a determination of death GOES WRONG?
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.
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.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or directly at https://flightbridgeed.com/standard-of-care/. While you’re there, explore our award-winning and nationally recognized courses that are helping thousands of providers stay sharp, safe, and legally sound.
Key Takeaways
FAST25 | May 19-21, 2025 | Lexington, KY
🔥 FAST25 is back—bigger, bolder, and hotter than ever! 🔥
This isn’t just another conference—a high-energy, immersive experience for pre-hospital and critical care transport pros. Expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and unfiltered discussions will take your practice to the next level.
🚀 New for 2025: The Creator Festival – Featuring “Burnt Ones,” a spicy take on Hot Ones, where top EMS creators tackle scorching hot wings while answering the most challenging questions in the industry. Expect live demos, interactive exhibits, and big-name influencers sharing their insight in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Plus, a killer vendor experience, special guests, catered lunches, and after-hours events that make networking effortless and enjoyable. FAST25 is where it all happens.
📍 Central Bank Center | Lexington, KY
🏨 Hilton Lexington/Downtown (special rates available!)
🎟️ Tickets are limited—grab yours now: flightbridgeed.com/fast25
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.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or at FlightBridgeED.com. While you’re there, explore our award-winning courses designed to elevate your practice and recertification goals.
Key Takeaways
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.
Practical Tip: Always ensure proper protocol when switching oxygen tanks, such as turning off regulators during transitions and verifying equipment cleanliness.
Foundational Learning: Scene safety remains paramount—never compromise personal safety when responding to emergencies, regardless of perceived public expectations.
In this episode of The Standard of Care podcast, hosts Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams delve into the complex legal framework of patient consent in EMS. What happens when a patient refuses care, even in life-threatening situations? How should EMS professionals navigate the fine line between consent, implied consent, and refusal, all while staying within the legal boundaries? Samantha quizzes Nick on real-world scenarios, offering practical insights on handling refusals, informed consent, and what EMS providers need to know about patient capacity.
Whether you're a seasoned paramedic, new to the field, or just brushing up for the National Registry exam, this episode offers valuable knowledge on critical issues you may face. Get actionable advice, hear relatable examples, and understand the nuances that could impact your next decision. Tune in now to explore this important topic—and remember, you can find The Standard of Care wherever you listen to podcasts or on our website at flightbridgeed.com/explore. While you’re there, check out our award-winning courses designed to enhance your professional skills and knowledge.
Key Takeaways:
In this episode of The Standard of Care Podcast, Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams recount their journey from attending conferences to becoming conference speakers on critical medical-legal topics in EMS. They reflect on how these pivotal experiences shaped their current work. The episode dives into highlights from recent EMS conferences, such as South Carolina EMS, Metro Atlanta EMS, and FAST24, where they engaged with street-level medics and addressed critical topics in the ever-evolving landscape of EMS law. Whether you're a seasoned provider or just starting, this episode offers valuable takeaways on the value of EMS conferences, the evolution of the Standard of Care Podcast, and the importance of staying informed and involved in industry developments.
Links:
National Association of EMS Physicians
2025 Annual Meeting
January 6-11, 2025
https://naemsp.org/annual-meeting/
South Carolina EMS Association
2025 SCEMSA Symposium
March 5-7, 2025
https://scemsa.org/ems-symposium
Metro Atlanta EMS Conference
2025 Metro Atlanta EMS Conference January 30-31, 2025
Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Prehospital Medicine Conference
2025 Swamp Rabbit Conference June 17-19, 2025
https://www.facebook.com/ghsemsconference/
FAST25
(FlightBridgeED Air and Surface Transport Symposium 2025)
Lexington, KY | May 19-21, 2025
https://fbefast.com
FTFC/Gathering of Eagles
2025 FTFC/Gathering of Eagles June 9-13, 2025
https://firsttherefirstcare.com/
It’s back-to-school time for the kids and for paramedics and EMTs, too! Nick is planning to renew his certification. But we know there will be a set of medical-legal questions on the National Registry exam, and he will be sure he’s prepared. In this series, Nick and Samantha dive deeper into the medical-legal concepts commonly tested on the National Registry and help our listeners prepare to take on these questions. Please like and subscribe! You can get this and other podcasts anywhere you get your podcasts or from the FlightBridgeED website at https://flightbridgeed.com/standard-of-care/
Key Takeaways
• Understand the Difference: Criminal actions are prosecuted by the state and aim to punish and deter, while torts are civil cases seeking compensation for wrongs.
• Evidentiary Standards Matter: The burden of proof is much higher in criminal cases (beyond a reasonable doubt) compared to civil cases (preponderance of the evidence).
• Negligence Requires Four Elements: To prove negligence, you must demonstrate duty, breach, causation, and damages. All four must be present for a successful claim.
• Know Your Legal Responsibilities: As an EMS provider, it’s crucial to act with due regard for public safety, especially in high-stakes situations like driving with lights and sirens.
• Be Prepared for Legal Complexity: Cases can involve both criminal and civil aspects, and understanding how these interact is vital for protecting yourself and your practice.
Spencer and Chris bring in the big guns from the Standard of Care podcast, Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams! This episode is probably one of the most disturbing cases of neglect we've reviewed in a while, so you've been warned!
