This Is Medical Care As Well
Despite what many people think, EMS providers are trained, medical professionals. There are various levels of training, with paramedics attending the most school and having the most practical medical training.
EMS providers have a very hard job, as they are usually the first people there to respond to an injury or illness. What they do in those first few minutes often dictates a person’s chances for survival. However, they do make mistakes just like any other healthcare provider.
The Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) recently cited a poll of EMS personnel. This poll reported that 18% of respondents thought that over 75% of EMS personnel falsified EMS documents, often covering up mistakes made during treatment.
All EMS providers must provide the required medical standard of care. In each situation, the EMT or paramedic must provide care that any similarly skilled EMS provider would give under similar circumstances.
EMS personnel that provide care that is well below the standard of care could be guilty of gross negligence. This can include not providing necessary lifesaving care even though it is clearly indicated or willfully neglecting their patient.
- Many EMS providers work long shifts, sometimes 12- to 24-hours. This can lead to fatigue and distractions during patient care.
An article in EMS World says that a medical error is defined as “an act of omission or commission in planning or execution that contributes or could contribute to an unintended result.” The article states that EMS providers have a long history of tracking mistakes without making any efforts to actually fix them.
Moving Forward From Here
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the carelessness or negligence of an EMS provider, please seek legal assistance now. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, we understand how complicated these cases can become and will work to secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Compensation for all medical expenses related to the error(s)
- Coverage of lost income and benefits if you cannot work
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages against the paramedic/EMT/EMS agency responsible
These cases can become very complex, as EMS agencies fall under the control of multiple different authorities (counties, cities, medical agencies, medical control doctors, etc.).
When you need a Charlotte paramedic and EMT malpractice attorney, please contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.
