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.

SHOWNOTES
Givot, D. (2025, October 7). When Doing the Right Thing Breaks the Rules. EMS1. https://www.ems1.com/ems-protocols/when-doing-the-right-thing-breaks-the-rules

Hawkins, T. (2025, September 28). Facebook Comment. October 10, 2025, https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.heilmann/posts/this-is-the-best-breakdown-i-have-seen-/10108839286161953/

Abo, B. (2025). Venom / Toxinology. Venom / Toxinology & Wildlife. https://www.abo911.org/venom-toxinology

Williams, A. (2025, September 28). Expert Weighs in as Ky.. EMS Team Under Fire for Administering Antivenom. https://www.wkyt.com. https://www.wkyt.com/2025/09/28/expert-weighs-ky-ems-team-under-fire-administrating-anti-venom/