When a paramedic in Kentucky faced a dying patient and a vial of antivenom, he had to make a split-second decision that could save a life… or end his career.
In this episode of The Standard of Care Podcast, hosts Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams unpack one of the most talked-about EMS legal stories of the year: a paramedic who administered a rare antivenom under physician direction, only to find himself facing potential loss of his license.
They break down the legal and ethical dilemmas behind the scope of practice, the real-world limits of medical direction, and what administrative law really means for providers in the field. Whether you’re an advanced clinician, a medic early in your career, or just starting in EMS, this episode offers insights that can protect your license — and your patients.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Scope vs. survival: Following the book may not always match the field reality — but understanding the limits of your practice can be the difference between being cleared and being called before the board.
- Medical direction matters: Acting under direct physician orders may protect you legally, but not always administratively — and that nuance can decide the fate of your license.
- Administrative law 101: The state board doesn’t have discretion to ignore complaints; every case gets investigated. Knowing this process is essential to defending your practice.
- Culture check: Heroic instincts can lead to dangerous freelancing. True professionalism lies in humility, documentation, and system adherence.
- Protect your license: When facing an investigation, don’t go it alone. Hire an attorney familiar with administrative law. You wouldn’t run a resuscitation solo — don’t handle your legal defense solo either.