Attorney General Opinions 
Relating to County Government

2003 Liability

• This opinion discusses the personal liability of EMTs and paramedics.  EMTs and paramedics are immune from liability, except for negligence, for following the orders of a physician or nurse in rendering emergency care.  They are not subject to liability for honoring Do Not Resuscitate orders.  They are immune from liability, except for negligence, for drawing blood at the written request of a law enforcement officer to test for DUI.  They are not liable for damages, except for gross negligence, when they voluntarily and in good faith provide emergency care at the scene of an accident, emergency or disaster, while en route to a medical facility or while assisting at the receiving medical facility.  They are not liable except for acts of gross negligence for rendering emergency care at public gatherings.  As of July 1, 2003, EMTs and paramedics employed by local governments are immune from any claim for damages under the Governmental Tort Liability Act, including medical malpractice, for which the immunity of the governmental entity is removed under the act.  Opinion No. 03-093 (July 28, 2003).