Request Made for Formal Investigation by Anonymous Source into Paintsville Fire and EMS
STAFF REPORT
BSN
On Monday, Feb. 16, numerous news outlets, including The Big Sandy News, received an email that requests a formal investigation into the Paintsville Fire Department and EMS Division. The email, with an attached letter states that this request has also been sent to all appropriate oversight and regulatory agencies as well.
The Formal Request for Investigation states specifically that, “I am submitting this report based on my firsthand knowledge, direct observations, and personal experiences regarding serious and ongoing operational, regulatory, and patient safety concerns within the Paintsville Fire Department EMS division. I request to remain anonymous until it is
absolutely necessary to not be. I am willing to sign sworn affidavits with these claims.”
The letter further states that, “The individuals named are referenced in connection with specific events I have personally observed or directly experienced.”
The Request for Investigation letter also includes ten main areas of concern. The description after each main heading has been shortened and abbreviated. The names of individuals in the letter are intentionally omitted by The Big Sandy News to provide fairness to the claims made.
I. Pediatric Seizure Response Delay
Alleges EMS unit failed to divert to a seizure call as directed but instead, returned to the station and ended their shift.
II. Controlled Substance Administration-Personal Involvement and recurring Pattern
Alleges Firefighter/Paramedic entered an EMS unit that they were not assigned to and administered controlled substance to a family member.
The administering of opioids by this individual to a family member is further alleged to be a recurring situation.
III. Removal of Narcotics by EMT-Level Supervisor
Alleges EMT removed controlled substances from secured ambulance storage and held them in a day room outside patient care without an ALS provider present.
IV. On-Duty Professional Misconduct
Alleges inappropriate sexual relations or visits during hours on duty.
V. Falsified Truck Checks and Restock Failures
Describes and alleges essential equipment shortages, incomplete ambulance stocking and falsified apparatus inspection documentation.
VI. Fleet Condition-Mechanical Deficiencies
Alleges chronic maintenance issues, mechanical instability and reliability concerns.
VII. Staffing and Coverage Deficiencies
Describes firefighters being sent out of town for extended periods limiting city coverage while remaining personnel lacked physical capability or proper protective gear.
VIII. Access to Municipal Facilities
Details or alleges an employee that was terminated and rehired after conviction of child related sex crimes and is currently a lifetime registered sex offender maintains regular access to city facilities as a contractor.
IX. Pattern of Inconsistent Enforcement
Alleges serious operational and narcotics related concerns have not resulted in consistent corrective action.
X. Systemic and Recurring Nature
Alleges these concerns are not isolated events.
They represent:
• Recurring opioid administration in personal-call contexts
• Repeated narcotics security lapses
• Ongoing fleet instability
• Persistent readiness deficiencies
• Cultural normalization of deviation from standards
• Fear of retaliation among personnel
The cumulative effect poses significant risk to:
• Patient safety
• Controlled substance compliance
• Regulatory standing
• Civil liability exposure
• Public trust
Since the request letter is anonymous at this time and cites various allegations against individuals, The Big Sandy News will not identify in this article any specific names of the individuals accused or alleged to not have followed procedure or law that was provided in the letter attached in the email.
The final sentence in the letter from the anonymous writer states, “I am prepared to provide additional detail or sworn testimony if requested.”
The Big Sandy News will continue to follow this story for developments.