Navigating Accountability: A Lesson from Henry County EMS

Author: Brady McLaughlin

In a recent and noteworthy legal development, the Kentucky Court of Appeals delivered a ruling that has sent ripples through emergency medical services across the nation. On March 8, 2024, in the case (No. 2022-CA-1330-MR), the court determined that Henry County Emergency Medical Services personnel, EMT Kristian Brock and paramedic Christopher Stone, could be held personally liable for a wrongful death. This case stems from events dating back to September 2017, which culminated in a tragedy partly due to delayed response times and equipment failure.

The Incident Unfolds

The incident in question began with a distress call to Henry County EMS, reporting an individual suffering from chest pain. Brock and Stone were dispatched to the scene, situated merely 3.8 miles from the station. However, the duo’s reliance on Active911, a third-party GPS navigation app, led them off course, resulting in a delayed 16-minute response time. Upon arrival, the situation worsened as the patient went into full cardiac arrest, and attempts to use a LifePak 12 defibrillator were thwarted by a malfunction, culminating in the patient’s untimely demise.

Legal Proceedings and Implications

The subsequent lawsuit targeted not only Henry County EMS but also Brock and Stone, both in their official capacities and personally. While the court upheld the governmental immunities protecting the county and the individuals in their official roles, it drew a line when it came to personal responsibility. The lawsuit against Brock and Stone was allowed to proceed, spotlighting their failure to adhere to critical protocols, including routine equipment checks and the use of authorized navigation tools.

The ruling sheds light on the absence of governmental immunity due to their negligence in following county-established guidelines, notably the checks and balances concerning AED (Automated External Defibrillator) usage and maintenance.

Reflections and Takeaways

This case serves as a potent reminder of the weight of responsibility shouldered by emergency services personnel. It underscores the paramount importance of strict adherence to operational protocols and equipment maintenance – not only as a matter of legal compliance but, more importantly, as a matter of public safety.

For EMS departments and professionals nationwide, this ruling highlights the necessity of:

  • Establishing and enforcing clear AED inspection and maintenance policies.
  • Conducting regular and thorough equipment checks in line with these policies.
  • Maintaining meticulous records of all maintenance activities and inspections.

While the ruling is directly relevant to Kentucky’s public employees, its implications extend far beyond state lines, offering critical insights for AED programs and emergency response protocols nationwide. It is a clarion call for all emergency medical services to reevaluate and reinforce their operational procedures and training programs, ensuring that the tragic events of Henry County do not repeat elsewhere.

The case of Brock and Stone is a sobering reminder that in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of emergency medical services, there is no room for error. The safety of the community and the legal and personal accountability of EMS professionals hang in the balance, hinging on each decision made and action taken in the line of duty.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: [email protected]

AED’s in Extreme Temperatures

Author: Marcy Burnham

Now that you’ve purchased your AED, placed it in its assigned area/cabinet, and it’s ready to rescue, it’s time to think about AED functionality in extreme temperatures.  Throughout the United States, we have been seeing record low and high temperatures over the past few years.  It is vital to have an AED present and ready to rescue.  We must also keep in mind that an AED is an electronic device which does have limits in extreme temperatures. Typically, the temperature range for normal AED operations is 32-122° F, since extreme temperatures can impact normal functions by draining the battery or altering the gel found in pads.  To avoid damage and assist your AED with normal functionality:

  • Keep the AED in a shady area out of direct sunlight.
  • Place your AED in a small, insulated bag or cooler that has CLEARLY been marked so it is easily found.
  • If you need to keep your AED in a vehicle, store it in the temperature-controlled cabin of the vehicle, and bring it inside at night.
  • Invest in an all-weather outdoor AED cabinet.
  • Inspect the AED monthly to ensure it is functioning properly.

In order to maximize the life of your AED, pads, and batteries, the AED should not be stored in temperatures above or below the manufacturer’s suggested range.  Keeping with these recommendations can make a difference in your AED’s rescue-readiness.  

If you feel the normal functions of your AED have been compromised due to extreme weather conditions, or you’re unable to get your AED ready to rescue, please feel free to reach out to us. 

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: [email protected]

AED Program Management in the Workplace

Author: Marcy Burnham

More than 356,000 people have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States every year, and 60%-80% of them die before reaching the hospital. About 10,000 of these cardiac arrests occurred in the workplace. It is vitally important that your facility has an AED present that is ready to rescue at a moment’s notice and that your employees are prepared to respond in the event of an emergency.    Below are some suggestions to consider when assessing and implementing safety in the workplace:

  • Assign a particular person or division to commit to promoting safety awareness
  • Keep AED’s and other safety equipment (First Aid Kits, Bleeding Control Kits, etc.) in highly visible, easily accessible areas 
  • Enroll your team in CPR, First Aid, and AED courses
  • Develop a Response Plan and practice emergency drills frequently
  • Invest in AED program management to ensure AED compliance and readiness to rescue   

Our goals at GoRescue and AED365 are to help ensure that you and your employees are adequately trained in CPR and AED use, and that your facility is properly protected with the correct safety equipment.  Let’s all work together to ensure we, as well as our coworkers, are prepared with the knowledge, resources, and skills to help save a life.  Who knows…the life that needs saving one day may be yours!

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: [email protected]

Unique Situations When Using an AED

Author: Marcy Burnham

In a cardiac emergency, every second is crucial in providing a positive outcome for the victim.  Feeling confident in using an AED and performing CPR are essential.  Though you may have received excellent instruction during your AED/CPR class, there are still some variables to consider in real-life situations.  In a classroom setting, the environment and situations are controlled.  In the field, there may be some unique challenges you face. Below are some situations that can potentially arise when resuscitating someone in the field:

  • Hairy chest- excessive hair may prevent the electrode pad from adhering correctly. An adequately stocked response kit containing a razor can be used to shave the hair.  
  • Pediatric patients- smaller victims require a reduced electrical shock, use pediatric pads when available.  When using adult pads on a child, place one pad in the center of the victim’s chest, and the other in the center of the back.
  • Transdermal medications (patches)- medication patches can burn a victim if a shock is provided over the patch.  Don gloves to remove the patch and clean off any residue before applying pads.
  • Implantable devices- pacemakers or defibrillators can block the shock or damage the device during an AED use.  Avoid placing electrodes over these areas if you see a suspicious scar or a lump in the chest.
  • Submerged or wet patients- it is critical to deliver a shock directly to the heart.  Water may reduce the effectiveness of the shock.  It is recommended to move the victim away from the water and place him on a dry surface, drying off the chest area before applying the pads.

AED’s are designed to be user- friendly, while offering voice prompts and instructions throughout the emergency.  Providing confident, effective care in the midst of unique challenges could be the difference in life or death for the victim.  Hopefully these tips will help you identify and feel better prepared to use an AED.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: [email protected]

I have an AED – what do I need to know?

co-authored by Marcy Burnham, RN – AED365 Leader, and Brady B. McLaughlin, MS, NREMT – CEO and AED Expert

This question is more common than you may think.  Whether you just purchased an AED or have been an AED owner for years, many people have questions about AEDs, or automated external defibrillators.

AEDs are vital to saving lives in the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, or SCA.  Along with having an AED readily available, other elements of emergency response are necessary to complete each link of the Chain of Survival:
  • Early recognition and activation of emergency response (9-1-1)
  • High-quality CPR (hands-on)
  • Rapid defibrillation (AED)
  • Advanced care and transportation (EMS transport via ambulance)
  • Coordinated definitive care (hospital and cardiac ICU) 
  • Recovery
To strengthen the Chain, key initiatives include:
  • CPR AED training
  • AED inspections and checks
  • AED maintenance
  • EMS agency registration (if required)
  • Medical direction (if required)
AED ownership, adequate training, and a properly maintained AED all work hand in hand to save lives. 

Make sure your AED is easily accessible and ADA-complaint with the cabinet mounted no higher than 48 inches above the floor.

Ensure the AED is easily identifiable with AED signage.

Make sure you meet all applicable local, state, and federal laws for your AED and facility.
 
AED365 has proven to be an easy, efficient way to ensure your AED is compliant and ready to rescue.  Our sole focus is keeping your AED program alive.  With over 30 powerful features, AED365 is designed with the end-user in mind, making the inspection process easy to accomplish in less than 60 seconds.  Using an AED to save lives isn’t hard; managing your AED program shouldn’t be either.