Paramedic Fired For Blog Pictures
This from the TimesHerald.com (via FireFightingNews.com):
PLYMOUTH - A paramedic at Plymouth Community Ambulance was fired this week for a series of pictures she posted on her online journal known as a blog.In one picture, several Mexican men who had only moments before escaped a burning row home on West Elm Street are referred to as "Mexican jumping beans." The men escaped through windows. They were left homeless, and a man not depicted in the photos was found dead.
In one instance, "ivwoman" posted photos of an elderly woman's filthy bed. After paramedics placed her in the ambulance, "ivwoman's" partner is wafting his nose at what is apparently the scent of bodily functions.Another image depicts a man with some sort of head wound.
Read the whole article to get all of the details.
This highlights an issue that many "emergency" bloggers may face. What types of photos and what kind of descriptions are appropriate to post on a personal blog, especially if the blogger is an emergency responder?
In the case above, the paramedic was treating these people and apparently violated her patients' privacy. Due to her status as an emergency responder, she is required to keep some information regarding the incident private. This is different than a bystander at the incident who is under no such obligation.
For those emergency bloggers out there - take heed.
