Two firefighters with Dallas Fire-Rescue were caught violating Texas emergency medical service rules while caring for patients, according to state regulators. The Texas Department of State Health Services has been investigating a patient care complaint from February 2020 involving a diabetic 16-year-old. Additional details about the call were not released.
The two firefighters, Russell Hervig and Beau York responded to a separate call a day earlier involving the patient, state documents show. They were accused of failing to follow the fire department’s rules related to pediatric care and patients with respiratory problems.
State documents contend that they failed to properly assess the patient, inform supervisors that they were not taking the patient to a hospital, and submit clear documentation about their decision regarding the case.
Hervig and York are being represented by Zach Horn, a Dallas attorney. According to Horn, the men’s cases “ultimately involved some documentation issues.” He also said that the two are talented paramedics who provide excellent service.
Hervig and York have had their EMS licenses placed on probation by the Texas Department of State Health Services since Sept. 26, state records say. According to the documents, the state initially proposed revoking their licenses, but after they appealed, a six-month suspension was recommended.
Per the firefighters’ request, the suspensions were probated on certain conditions, including taking courses on ethics and treatment of diabetic patients and getting a supervisor to confirm they have reviewed the fire department’s protocols.
According to a Dallas Morning News report of a public safety committee meeting on Monday, Sept. 13, the city is considering whether to agree to a settlement with the state or take the case to an administrative law judge.
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, spokesperson for Dallas Fire-Rescue Jason Evans said that Herving and York are still with the fire department and are allowed to continue their duties as long as they do not violate the state’s probation terms.