POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Two Powell County paramedics who feared losing their licenses after administering anti-venom to a snake bite victim have had their case dismissed by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services on Tuesday
Eddie Barnes and another paramedic responded to a call earlier this year involving world-renowned venomous snake expert Jim Harrison, who was bitten by a black mamba. Barnes administered antivenom to Harrison, potentially saving his life, but later learned he had violated protocol.
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Powell County paramedics face license revocation after administering anti-venom
About four hours after administering the serum, Barnes was notified by Dr. Walter Lubbers, his medical director, that paramedics cannot give antivenom.
"The only people who can give antivenom is wilderness paramedics, and that was the first time I'd ever heard of anything like that," Barnes said.
Lubbers told Barnes and his partner they could lose their licenses over the incident.
At the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services meeting, Barnes stated that Lubbers disagreed with their decision, despite Barnes having consulted with medical professionals at Clark Regional Medical Center.
"He had basically said that the antivenom did not need to be administered. And airway control and normal saline would have did just fine," Barnes said.
This aligns with KBEMS's routine patient care guidelines, but contradicts what Harrison, who has been working with snakes for nearly 50 years, believes was necessary.
"This man knew exactly what he had. He knew exactly what we need to do, and he told us what we need to do," Barnes said.
Harrison had told Barnes during the emergency that without the antivenom, he would die.
"He said, then I'm gonna die. If you don't give it to me, I'm gonna die," Barnes said.
Barnes said he trusted the expert's knowledge over protocol.
"If I had to listen to somebody, I would listen to a world renowned snake expert," Barnes said.
The preliminary inquiry board for KBEMS ruled that Barnes's action was a violation but dismissed the case due to "unique circumstances."
30th District Senator Brandon Smith called the situation unfortunate and said it may lead to adjusting rules and regulations for similar situations.
"It is sad that it made national news for all the wrong reasons, and just a little bit overzealous there to threaten and want to take these men's medical license for the type of paramedic work they do, which was very devastating," Smith said.
Smith emphasized the importance of not discouraging heroic actions.
"We don't want to set up a situation that would prevent someone from being the next hero," Smith said.
Barnes said the experience was challenging, but he hopes others won't face similar challenges.
"You can't put a price on a human life, especially that human life is sitting there telling you exactly what you need to do to save his life," Barnes said.
"I don't want anybody else to run into the same problem that we have. It's not fun," Barnes said.
While Barnes said he was told he was in jeopardy of losing his license, KBEMS said in a statement that neither provider was notified that their licenses would be revoked.
The Preliminary Inquiry Board or PIB has asked me to make a statement on its behalf regarding the disposition of Case Nos. 2025-038 and 2025-039, the Powell County snake bite matter in order to clarify misunderstanding and confusion in public commentary and media reporting of the matter.
Disciplinary cases before the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services or KBEMS are governed by statute and regulations found in KRS Chapter 311A and 202 KAR Chapter 7. The PIB is part of that statutory process, and serves a role analogous to that of the Grand Jury in a criminal case. As you have seen today, the PIB considered the results of an investigation conducted by KBEMS staff, any statements license holders might choose to make on their own behalf, as well as those made by affected parties. The PIB makes one of two decisions, either to dismiss a case or refer it for further proceedings. Contrary to what has been suggested in several reports, neither of the two providers ever received notification their license may be revoked. The PIB does not have the authority to impose final disciplinary action.
Turning to the facts of this case, the matter was initiated by a self report to KBEMS by the licensees, who recognized they had acted outside the scope of their practice in administering the anti-venom medication. Their action was a violation of statute and regulation. Despite that admitted violation, the PIB determined that dismissal of the case was appropriate considering (1) the licensees self reported the violation, and (2) the unique circumstances faced by the licensees here.
Neither the PIB nor other KBEMS personnel will comment further on the matter. Thank you."
Original Story:
Kentucky paramedics who saved a life by administering anti-venom outside their scope of practice will face no disciplinary action after the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services dismissed the case, a release from Senator Brandon Smith (R-Hazard) read.
Sen. Smith, praised the decision to dismiss disciplinary proceedings against Powell County paramedics Eddie Barnes and his colleague, calling them "heroes" whose quick thinking prevented a tragedy.
"Today's decision affirms what the public, the victim's family, and medical professionals have said all along. These paramedics are heroes," Smith said.
LEX 18 previously reported that paramedics risked potential license revocation after administering anti-venom that ultimately saved a patient's life. The treatment fell outside standard paramedic scope of practice regulations, triggering the disciplinary review.
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Powell County paramedics face license revocation after administering anti-venom
Smith emphasized that the dismissal validates the paramedics life-saving actions and sound medical judgment during a critical emergency situation.
"Their quick action and sound judgment saved a life, and I am thankful that with the dismissal of this case that fact is fully recognized," Smith said.
Despite celebrating the outcome, Smith called for regulatory reform to prevent similar situations in the future. He argued that current scope of practice requirements could discourage first responders from taking necessary action during emergencies.
"While I am grateful this case has been resolved, the rule that brought us here must be revisited," Smith said.
Smith urged governing bodies to review scope of practice requirements to ensure paramedics never face punishment for making critical decisions that save lives.
"No regulation should place red tape above human life or leave first responders fearing punishment for making the right call in a crisis," Smith said.
The senator expressed hope that this case will lead to constructive changes in administrative regulations that support rather than discourage heroic emergency medical actions.
"Powell County and all of Kentucky thank these heroes for their quick action to save a life, and it is my hope their effort will result in a constructive change to administrative regulations that will not discourage heroic action in the future," Smith said.
