court

[Chief1C]

That doesn't work. "I don't recall the specific details". I used that line, however, because an officer screwed up the investigation, I almost went to jail.

Take notes, if you foresee a court case.

Had a call, we staged out. Patient decided to come to us. Got out, asked what was wrong, he ran off. Grabbed a massive rock, lifted it over his head and started to walk back. We got back in the ambo, got on the PA; 'You have a rock, we have a heavy truck, you do the math'. He put it down and knelt down in the road, we got out, asked if he wanted help; yes or no; if not, we'd leave (not really, but we'd let the cops take him). He wanted help. Grabbed my partner, and took off running, and pulled on his arm with such force he went off his feet and landed face first. Shoulder, chest and facial injuries. Got him, left.

Cops questioned my partner, after he'd been given 4mg of MS. Asked me what I saw, explained; but that I didn't see what took place that caused the injury. Cop fecked up. Mixed my statement up with my partner; then said we'd be fine in court; we didn't need to see his notes.

Partner said in court that he didn't recall, because he was given pain meds. That was okay. I gave my statement to the court. The cop was sitting in the back mouthing "what the f**k". The suspect was found guilty of failure to appear and criminal mischief; but was innocent of assault charges.

The cop slammed me into the wall, and took me down a peg or two. I demanded to see his notes, while he was fixing to have me arrested for "filing a false report". I read his notes.. Nope, this is wrong; where are the statements that I wrote and signed? So, I was escorted out sans cuffs; and someone brought that file to the court house.

Cop screwed up. No apologies to me though, because it was my fault, cops are never wrong.

[p3medic]

I've been to court quite a bit for work, its not a big deal. As others have stated, refer to your report, don't make up answers to questions you don't have an answer for, and don't elaborate. Answer the quetstion and thats it. Remember, you are not on trial (I hope) so relax. The DA uses EMS testimony to help them paint a picture, bring the scene to life so to speak, its usually not the lynch pin to the whole case. Expect to spend less than 30 minutes on stand.

The prosecuting attorney will speak to you first, usually start by having you explain to the court what your job is, the training required, you years of experience, etc...He/She may show you pictures from the accident asking if you can describe the scene, remember aspects of the call, statements made by decedent or defendant. Just remember, they aren't looking to prosecute you, so stay calm. Good luck.

[air.stump]

What everone else said...

AND

Smile and show a bit of leg.

Relax

[afib]

ladies and gentleman of the jury i thank you for your time and patience, most helpful!!!

[Richard B the EMT]

On a case where the husband attempted to stage his wife's "suicide", between when I was told to go to the District Attorney's office, and when I got there the next day, the wife dropped the charges.

Go figure.

Good luck in court, with whichever side you've been asked to testify for.

[Don1977]

I have never had to go to court....yet...

[scratrat]

I had a little old lady fall in the parking lot of a well established food store in NJ. She tripped over those concrete bumpers that stops the cars from banging into each other. She was screwed up, broken hip, wrist, and ankle. That supermarket paid for everything. Then she tried to sue for millions saying she tripped in a pothole. When her lawyer contacted me I royally pissed him off. Right on the front page of my report, it says "Chief Complaint" with three little lines. There were also check boxes. Anyway, I was told from school, that you wrote EXACTLY what the pt says is wrong on those lines. Then you also check off the appropriate check boxes for nature. She stated and I wrote "I tripped over the parking bump thingy". He was pissed when I refused to offer a different explanation. I told him that was exactly what she said to me, and it got thrown out of court. And you would think that company would have given me a $100 gift card or something since I saved them millions.

And now, I got supoened the other day for August. It was for a stabbing. We were o/s for 3-4 minutes and I drove. FD did most things before we got there, so we scooped and ran. I drove, so I don't have much to offer. I'm waiting to see if the lawyer will let me off.