News Summary
Orange County fire chiefs are calling for the removal of EMS Medical Director Carl Schultz due to serious allegations of obstructing patient care and impeding emergency medical services. In a letter to the Orange County Health Care Agency, concerns were raised about Schultz’s leadership style, which has reportedly harmed team morale and reduced the effectiveness of care. Key allegations include opposition to innovative medical treatments and decisions that jeopardize patient safety. The ongoing situation has sparked significant criticism and concerns about the future of emergency services in the region.
Orange County Fire Chiefs Call for Removal of EMS Director Following Allegations
Orange County fire chiefs are advocating for the removal of EMS Medical Director Carl Schultz over serious allegations that he has impeded patient care and hindered the effectiveness of emergency medical services (EMS) in the region. The Orange County Fire Chiefs Association expressed these concerns in a letter sent to the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) on August 20.
The fire chiefs’ letter accuses Schultz of obstructing paramedics from utilizing progressive medical treatments that are commonly employed throughout California. These accusations describe Schultz as “abrasive,” suggesting that his leadership style has negatively impacted team morale among paramedics and has tarnished Orange County’s standing within the EMS community across the state.
According to the president of the Association and Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King, Schwartz’s actions have been detrimental to first responders and have compromised their ability to care for patients effectively. The urgent call for change was underscored by King, who stated that only Schultz’s removal would adequately address the ongoing issues.
Key Allegations Against Carl Schultz
Schultz has been responsible for overseeing the county’s emergency medical care system for nearly six years. However, specific complaints outlined in the letter raise questions about his policies and decisions:
- Schultz has reportedly opposed the implementation of blood transfusions in the field, despite federal grants being available to support such practices.
- During an EMS Authority session in Los Angeles County, Schultz allegedly insulted panel members and expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of innovative medical treatments.
- He rejected the broader use of magnesium for managing prenatal and postpartum seizures, a treatment that is already recognized on a national level.
- Concerns were also raised about his rejection of proposals aimed at reducing false 911 calls, with Schultz emphasizing the need for high-quality paramedics instead.
- Schultz declined a $400,000 state grant intended to facilitate testing of buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder, potentially limiting resources for addressing this crisis.
- He delayed the trial phase for ketamine use by paramedics, resulting in only four doses being administered over six months.
- Schultz implemented a policy that prevents fire department medical directors from advising paramedics in the field, a move that King argues compromises patient safety during emergencies.
Criticism and Concerns
The concerns voiced by the fire chiefs highlight what they perceive as a “culture of obstruction and non-collaborative decision-making” that has stifled innovation within the EMS framework. They argue that these ongoing issues not only affect the services provided by EMS professionals but also pose a risk to the reputation of Orange County within the larger California EMS landscape. King emphasized that proactive collaboration and innovation are essential for ensuring the highest standards of patient care.
Response from Officials
As of now, both OCHCA Director Veronica Kelley and Carl Schultz have chosen not to publicly comment on the allegations made by the fire chiefs, as indicated by an agency spokesperson. The lack of response from the implicated parties may further complicate the ongoing situation and the scrutiny surrounding Schultz’s leadership.
Conclusion
The Orange County Fire Chiefs Association’s demand for the removal of EMS Medical Director Carl Schultz underscores a critical moment for the county’s emergency medical services. As the fire chiefs continue to advocate for change in leadership, the implications for patient care and service quality remain a pivotal concern for the community and first responders alike.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Fire Chiefs Call for Removal of EMS Director
- WFTV: HCA Florida West Orange Emergency Department Opens
- Public CEO: OC Health Care Agency Receives CSAC Challenge Award
- Wikipedia: Emergency Medical Services
- Patch: County Orders 911 Staff Not to Send Stroke Patients
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Medical Service
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
