Season 2, Episode 3: Two Fire Chiefs and a Lawyer Get Sued

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We are now two years out from the beginning of “The Situation”, which means that it’s time for the lawsuits.  In this episode, Nick and Samantha review a case from Klamath County, Oregon, where the alleged malpractice of the responding paramedics led to a woman’s death from complications of Covid.  This case has some very sad – and shocking – facts.  But it’s not just the medics who may be at fault – it’s the fire chief, his deputy chief, and even the department’s lawyer!  From federal Section 1983 civil rights claims to state law claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, Nick and Samantha break down why everyone gets the blame.  Is that blame justified here?   Please like, comment, and subscribe!       Links:   Richard Vaughn, Jr. Individually and as Personal Representative for The Estate of Teresa Vaught, Deceased, Richard L. Vaughn, Sr., Marjo Vaughn, Larry Vaughn, Debra Blank, and Vivian Kimbol v. Klamath County Fire District No. 1, an Oregon Special District, Gregory Davis, an individual, Matthew Hitchcock, an individual, Stephen R. Hedlund, P.C., John Does 1-10 and Jane Does 1-5, United States District Court for the District of Oregon, Civil Action File No. 1:22-cv-00161, filed January 31, 2022.   Klamath County Emergency Medical Services, Standing Orders, March 1, 2020   Klamath County Fire District No. 1, Covid-19 Directive, March 17, 2020   Klamath County Emergency Medical Services, Standing Orders, April 1, 2020See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are now two years out from the beginning of “The Situation”, which means that it’s time for the lawsuits.  In this episode, Nick and Samantha review a case from Klamath County, Oregon, where the alleged malpractice of the responding paramedics led to a woman’s death from complications of Covid.  This case has some very sad – and shocking – facts.  But it’s not just the medics who may be at fault – it’s the fire chief, his deputy chief, and even the department’s lawyer!  From federal Section 1983 civil rights claims to state law claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, Nick and Samantha break down why everyone gets the blame.  Is that blame justified here?

 

Please like, comment, and subscribe!    

 

Links:  

Richard Vaughn, Jr. Individually and as Personal Representative for The Estate of Teresa Vaught, Deceased, Richard L. Vaughn, Sr., Marjo Vaughn, Larry Vaughn, Debra Blank, and Vivian Kimbol v. Klamath County Fire District No. 1, an Oregon Special District, Gregory Davis, an individual, Matthew Hitchcock, an individual, Stephen R. Hedlund, P.C., John Does 1-10 and Jane Does 1-5, United States District Court for the District of Oregon, Civil Action File No. 1:22-cv-00161, filed January 31, 2022.

 

Klamath County Emergency Medical Services, Standing Orders, March 1, 2020

 

Klamath County Fire District No. 1, Covid-19 Directive, March 17, 2020

 

Klamath County Emergency Medical Services, Standing Orders, April 1, 2020

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


FAST25 | May 19-21, 2025 | Lexington, KY

🔥 FAST25 is back—bigger, bolder, and hotter than ever! 🔥
This isn’t just another conference—a high-energy, immersive experience for pre-hospital and critical care transport pros. Expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and unfiltered discussions will take your practice to the next level.

🚀 New for 2025: The Creator Festival – Featuring “Burnt Ones,” a spicy take on Hot Ones, where top EMS creators tackle scorching hot wings while answering the most challenging questions in the industry. Expect live demos, interactive exhibits, and big-name influencers sharing their insight in a way you won’t find anywhere else.

Plus, a killer vendor experience, special guests, catered lunches, and after-hours events that make networking effortless and enjoyable. FAST25 is where it all happens.

📍 Central Bank Center | Lexington, KY
🏨 Hilton Lexington/Downtown (special rates available!)
🎟️ Tickets are limited—grab yours now: flightbridgeed.com/fast25

Creators and Guests

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Host
Nick Adams
Experienced Fire and EMS Captain with a demonstrated history of working in the public safety industry. Skilled in Crisis Management, Government, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, and Fire Management. Strong healthcare services professional with a B.S. focused in Emergency Management/Homeland Security and a Masters in Public Administration from Jacksonville State University.
person
Host
Samantha Johnson
Senior Associate General Counsel at Grady Health System, a major public academic healthcare system in the U.S. My role involves advising on legal aspects of patient care, ethics, HR, compliance, and regulatory issues. I conduct training, draft and review legal documents, and represent the Health System in various legal proceedings, including guardianship cases in Fulton County Probate Court. I also focus significantly on Grady Health System’s EMS division, providing legal advice and hosting “The Standard of Care” Podcast on EMS legal issues. I chair the In-House Counsel Association of the Georgia Hospital Association and am a member of the State Bars of Georgia and South Carolina. I hold an MBA and MHA from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business (2014).
Season 2, Episode 3: Two Fire Chiefs and a Lawyer Get Sued
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