This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit
In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into the complex and ever-evolving legal and ethical dimensions EMS. This episode comes in the wake of a significant court ruling in which two paramedics were found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the Elijah McClain case. The hosts discuss this judgment鈥檚 far-reaching implications for EMS professionals, emphasizing the heightened legal scrutiny and accountability now present in the field.
Memorable quotes
鈥淢ore and more, we are starting to see prosecutors making examples of paramedics, EMTs, who are not doing the right thing, or them thinking they鈥檙e not doing the right thing, and our peers are now starting to get connected with murder and manslaughter charges, and it鈥檚 something that we have to be very, very cognizant of.鈥� 鈥� Chris Cebollero
鈥淚 think that where this case went off the rails is that both paramedics involved forgot that they were first and foremost patient advocates and were acting as law enforcement.鈥� 鈥� Kelly Grayson
鈥淲e鈥檙e doing our job with ego and this isn鈥檛 about you. This is about the people that call for our help, and we鈥檝e got to break that habit, because our poor interactions with people are leading to those national calls when these folks die.鈥� 鈥� Chris Cebollero
鈥淲hat could be the worst day of somebody鈥檚 life ... that鈥檚 powerful, right? People forget what a privilege that is. But we have to be able to remember that our ego is not good for medicine.鈥� 鈥� Chris Cebollero
鈥淵ou should train and educate yourself enough that you鈥檙e not in doubt very often, but you should be conservative and call someone for, for consultation. That鈥檚 what medical control is for.鈥� 鈥� Kelly Grayson
Key takeaways
Cebollero and Grayson discussed the growing legal scrutiny faced by EMS professionals, with the following takeaways:
- Importance of accurate medication dosage. The conversation emphasized the criticality of correctly estimating a patient鈥檚 weight for administering weight-based medications. Misjudgment in dosage, as seen in the McClain case, can lead to severe consequences.
- EMS education and training needs. The podcast underscored the need for continuous education and situational awareness among EMS practitioners. The hosts debated how such high-profile cases could influence EMS practices and potentially lead to overly cautious behavior, which might not always be in the patient鈥檚 best interest. Cebollero and Grayson stress the necessity for precise patient assessment, a skill that goes beyond technical expertise to encompass a deep understanding of the patient鈥檚 condition and needs. Their discussion points to a growing need for EMS education and training to adapt and address these challenges, ensuring that EMS practitioners are equipped to make informed decisions in high-stakes situations.
- Patient advocacy and interaction. Another key aspect of the conversation is the role of paramedics as patient advocates. The hosts argue that EMS professionals should prioritize their medical responsibilities over any perceived obligation to law enforcement. This episode critically examines the ethical considerations in EMS, particularly in scenarios involving mental health or police involvement. By sharing personal experiences and insights, Cebollero and Grayson highlight the delicate balance EMS providers must maintain between following protocol, ensuring patient safety and navigating complex legal landscapes.
Read for more: The EMS system failed McClain and the justice system failed the paramedics
Rate and review the Inside EMS podcast
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to . Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you鈥檇 like to join us as a guest.
Catch a new episode every Friday on , , , , , , and .
SA国际传媒 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
