Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Florida

Ambulance Coercion

Person fainted on college campus. Ambulance was called. Ambulance put her on gurney and into the back of the Ambulance.Was asked if she wanted to be taken to the hospital.

She said 'no'. Amb. Worker said he would call the police and make her go in handcuffs. She refused and said she can't be made to go to the hospital. He tied her hands to the gurney and bound her feet together.He asked her again.She said she did not want to go she was fine.She explained her medical problem and related that her doctor said she did not need to go to the hospital everytime she fainted-she would be fine.

She said, ''I can't pay $500 for you to drive me one mile to the hospital. If I need to go I will get a friend to drive me.'' Ambul. Worker said he would waive the fee if she would just go. She then consented.

The Ambulatory Service called person and said she would have to pay for $500 for the service because the worker had no right to offer that bargain.

Question: Was this false imprisonment? Did the worker use Undue Influence (i.e. threat of handcuffs, waived ambulance fee) to coerce her to go to the hospital? She she have to pay this fee?


Asked on 3/09/02, 6:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sheldon G. Bardach Law Offices of Sheldon G. Bardach

Re: Ambulance Coercion

Yes! Yes! No! Clearly she was placed uder duress to go to the hospital, plus she did not agree to pay. She only agreed when the paramedic told her they would not charge for the trip. He had the apparent authority, if not the actual authority, to waive the fee. She should definitely refuse to pay and be prepared to defend any action, should the ambulance company attempt to recover.

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Answered on 3/10/02, 2:46 am


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