Location: Little Rock, AR
I’m a Paramedic. We’ve had some issues with a few or our area LE agencies telling people if they don’t go with us, they’re going with them.
According to our agency attorneys I can only force someone to go with me if they lack the capacity to understand the situation and the consequences of not going AND have a medical need.
This does not include suicidal ideation, as one can be suicidal and have capacity. LE however, in Arkansas, can force them to go for SI. And request us to transport.
The issue is that when cops tell people “you’re going with us, or you’re going with them” to me they’ve been coerced into going with is and can’t give true consent. This is generally how they deal with homeless people whom have no medical need and haven’t committed any crime that will result in jail.
So, is taking someone to the hospital today doesn’t want to go, but believes it’s that or jail kidnapping?
Aside from the legal aspect, we don’t gave staffed Ambulances to spare for needless bs. We even have a crisis stabilization center for LE to transport to for these situations.
Comments
You’re under no obligation to cooperate with LE. They can’t make you transport. And ultimately, they don’t want to deal with the hassle and paperwork associated with those “patients”. So don’t play along.