MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A memo from the Memphis Fire Department states that the Memphis Safe Task Force can stop a patient in its custody from being taken to the hospital, even if medical personnel on scene feel they should be.
According to the memo released early in October, federal agents “have the authority to refuse transport of a patient, even if advised by EMS personnel.”
The memo advises fire department personnel to tell federal agents if they feel that a patient in the task force’s custody should be taken to the hospital. If the federal agents refuse, EMS personnel are advised to “politely explain to the officer why the suspect needs transport.”…