Opinion on situation

[Guest guest]

I would like some input on the following hypothetical situation please.

You are a state certified paramedic, just for the sake of the scenario you

are certified in Tx as well as NR, you also have current ACLS, PHTLS and

PALS cards. You work for a non-transport FRO which has a requirement that

everyone be certified to a minimum of EMT-I (85)and they also have minimum

staffing rules related to this. The FRO publicizes that it provides " ALS

Engines " yet they do not have a monitor/defibrillator/pacer/12 lead (they

have an AED), they have very limited pharmacological agents and protocols

that you can barely consider to be at the level of an EMT-B standard of

care. They have your typical private provider that transports their

patients.

Your employer has recently recognized you as a Paramedic via a monthly pay

incentive. On your first shift as an official PM you make a run on a

possible heart attack, on arrival you find a 32 y/o male c/o acute onset of

" severe " chest pain radiating into his left jaw and left arm. He also has

dyspnea, nausea and general weakness. Pt denies any PMH, meds or allergies.

PE reveled no radial pulses, skin cold/clammy/diaphoretic, BP 60/palp, HR

240 and very weak at the carotid but appears to be regular, pts LOC is

deteriorating (GCS from 15 to 10 now) and his BP is now undetectable. The

transporting MICU has an unknown ETA due to being at Status 0, here are my

questions for the group:

1. Is there any liability issues with this scenario related to being

recognized as a Paramedic but not having the ability to provide care to that

level?

2. If there are liability issues would they be on the PM or the

employer or both?

3. If this patient deteriorates to the point of a negative outcome

what issues could be raised relating to SOC?

4. How would you address these problems with management?

Let the games begin!!!!!!!

Lee