EMS vs Fire ultimate fight - violence has erupted

[spenac]

So it finally happened, EMT physically attacked by FF. Discussion is done, conflict has begun.

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0908/554337.html

EMT Slashed by Firefighter posted 5:35 pm Wed September 17, 2008 -

WASHINGTON D.C.'s fire department is downplaying an incident in which an Emergency Medical Technician was cut by a fire lieutenant as 'negligent horseplay'. But the victim -- who received ten stitches -- doesn't think so.

"Mr. McLaughlin doesn't appear to believe it was horseplay," said Kenneth Lyons, the head of the ambulance union.

The incident unfolded about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Engine 5, on Dent Place NW. According to a news release, the two on-duty employees were "playing around". According to Lyons, the firefighter, Lt. Lawrence Clarke, started swinging a knife at EMT Ed McLaughlin without provocation.

"The final blow was to Mr. McLaughlin's wrist and the back of his hand," said Lyons. "He was transported to the hospital, G.W. hospital."

The fire department said investigators had termed the incident 'negligent horseplay'. According to the department, "[t]hough this resulted in a serious injury, it appears to have been the result of an accident." The fire department also called the behavior "not acceptable", and said it would "not be tolerated."

But Lyons said that after the incident, Lt. Clarke went back to work, until the hospital called police. But Lt. Clarke was not arrested, upsetting the union.

"Mr. Clark either should have been detained by the police or arrested -- none of this occurred," said Lyons.

Lt. Clarke has been placed on administrative leave, according to the fire department. The matter remains under investigation by both the fire department's internal affairs division and the Metropolitan Police Department (web|news) .

According to the fire department statement, Lt. Clarke will be "given due process through our trial board system."

[Lone Star]

Amazing....the crucifixion has begun, and no one has heard a word from either of the combatants!

[Dustdevil]

http://www.emtcity.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13147

[tniuqs]

Ok maybe a knee jerk comment but 2 strikes ?

That is an assault with intent not horseplay, but the union lawyers will make a buck on it is my bet.

Would not a rational person stop if he mistakenly injured someone in an accident ... sounds kinda phishy to me, but its just a news reporter anyway.

Are the FF allowed to run with scissors too ?

cheers

[defib_wizard]

Can't we all just get along?

[tniuqs]

But what would the poor Lawyers have to do then ?

ps and OJ didn't do it either.

[nattlebattle]

Are the FF allowed to run with scissors too ?

No thats my job.

[Kiwiology]

Can't we all just get along?

That's too much to ask I think; see this is why we are not allowed knives at work!

[letmesleep]

That is an assault with intent not horseplay, but the union lawyers will make a buck on it is my bet.

As they should.....for their client. If it is intent then wouldn't the victim be intitled to some kind of damages? At least in an American court room.

[Asysin2leads]

Meh, an old partner of mine once threatened to stab a fire lieutenant in the face with the intubation blade if he didn't back off. It happens.