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This Week in EMS: A Recap for Oct. 21 - 27, 2006
The EMS news that grabbed national attention this week was the videotape evidence of ambulance workers dumping homeless patients on L.A.'s Skid Row.
While the practice has long been suspected, Los Angeles police were able to videotape five alleged incidents last Sunday, and now two private ambulance companies and a hospital could face criminal charges.
According to news reports, the patients were dropped off at a shelter against their will, and regardless of whether the shelter had space to take them.
While homeless patients understandably present a dilemma, dropping them off in a designated "problem area" is not an acceptable solution. As local officials put it, it is both a safety and a public health nightmare.
What makes the recorded cases especially incomprehensible, however, is that at least two of the five patients claim they did have someplace else to go. One asked to be taken to a homeless services agency where he knows the staff, and another asked to be taken to his son's home. Police reportedly gave the man a ride home instead, and found his family outraged over the incident.
For more details and to view photos, read the full article on EMSResponder.com: Felony Charges Possible in L.A. Homeless Dumping Cases. To discuss this case or how you handle homeless patients in your area, visit the EMSResponder.com Forums.
In other major EMS news this week, California officials were investigating how a man was able to work as a paramedic for fire departments in Sacramento and Galt for about six years without a license.
The issue was uncovered when Galt Fire began the process of merging with another fire department, which did routine background checks on its newly acquired workers.
The deception was a shock to the man's co-workers, and serves as a reminder to EMS administrators everywhere that careful screening and record keeping are paramount.
The man was as a member of the Sacramento fire department's paramedic intern program several years ago, and later served as a paramedic preceptor. Officials said there was never any issue with the quality of his work.
After the issue was uncovered, Dr. Cesar Aristeiguieta, the director of the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, which licenses paramedics, sent a memo to EMS directors and administrators across the state, warning them about the case and urging them to watch out for similar situations.
"We want to make sure we learn from this situation," Aristeiguieta said. "He was using a valid license number. It just wasn't his."
Read the full article is available online: California Medic Works Six Years with Fake License
In an update on the news surrounding Oklahoma's Emergency Medical Services Authority, both Tulsa and Oklahoma City -- the state's two largest cities -- have extended their deadline to decide whether to continue with the regional provider, or to have their fire departments take over local EMS.
The deadline for a decision was originally set for October 31, but has been extended to January 31. EMSA officials supported the extension, as they believe the additional research time will prove to the cities that they cannot provide a better value. If the two cities do pull out of the regional arrangement, it is not clear what the future of EMSA will be.
To read more, visit the full article: Oklahoma City Joins Tulsa in Delay on EMSA Decision
News You Can Use:
Call for Presenters: EMS EXPO 2007
Speaking proposals are now being accepted for EMS EXPO 2007, which will be held Oct. 9-13 in Orlando, FL.
Please send a list of proposed topics, along with a brief description of each topic, and a short bio that reflects your speaking experience to Nancy.Perry@cygnusb2b.com or Marie.Nordberg@cygnusb2b.com no later than December 1, 2006.
Questions? Call Marie Nordberg at 1-800/547-7377 ext. 1939.
For more information visit www.emsexpo2007.com.
Other top EMS news this week:
