Let me start by putting out a little disclaimer; I'm not related to Trooper Martin, or employed by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. However I am a Trooper in an adjoining state who has worked with a few Oklahoma Troopers.
Now that all the facts are out, (not just the 3 minute edited version of the patient's son cell phone camera), it is obvious the Trooper did nothing wrong. The paramedic should and needs to be charged with obstruction.
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Wow.
I started to post that there was no way you were in Law Enforcement, but then decided I should temper that.
If you actually ARE a Missouri State Trooper, and you actually believe that the trooper did NOTHING wrong, than there are issues.
The trooper had an easy way to check and see if the ambulance was carrying a patient, it's called a radio. As shown by the dash cam video, the trooper already knew how to get on the EMS channel and talk to the ambulance. I personally have been asked over the air if I had a patient on board by a trooper, over the radio before.
But regardless, he was told very quickly into the confrontation that there was a patient on board, and could this all be done at the hospital. This was before any kind of physical altercation took place. At this point, regardless of the level of injury or sickness, allow the EMS unit to get to their destination. Then deal with a ticket.
He refused to do so. Strike 1.
Law Enforcement officers are trained in how to defuse a situation. Any good officer could have defused this in a heartbeat, yet a very angry Trooper Martin decided it was a much better idea to start a yelling match. Force escalation in a situation like this was totally uncalled for. Don't let your emotions get in the way of doing your job. Strike 2.
The stop was lame. Totally. The trooper was in low level flight, and should know that people don't always get out of the way. You mention that there should have been better situational awareness on the part of the EMT, there should have been better driving skills on the part of the trooper. Offset a bit so the driver can see you in the rear view mirrors. Don't tailgate so the driver can see you in the rear view mirrors. Whats that sign on the big trucks - if you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you? Or was the reason for the stop the finger? Come on... No one writes the finger... Too many court decisions stating that you don't write the finger. Remember the one in class about the CT state trooper pulling over the school bus because some kid in the back flipped him off? Took a supreme court ruling, but it was tossed, and is a staple of law enforcement training since. Strike 3.
The trooper arrested Mr White. Very clear on the videos. Pointed at him, and placed him under arrest. Then he let him go? HUH? He was magically unarrested? You simply don't do that. Arrest him, have him post a bond, sign an agreement to appear, take him to jail, etc. You don't get the chance to waive your magic wand and unarrest him. This is soooooo basic. Strike 4.
Now, don't get me wrong. The medic is not without fault either.
The other trooper appeared to have the calmer head about him - he is the one that convinced Martin to deal with this at the hospital. But, one has to wonder, why in the world would you turn your dash cam OFF when you got on the scene? Yet, the troopers statement clearly states that he did turn it off.
Yes, the trooper was serving on a ship providing security to shipping in the gulf. Thank you Sailor Martin. He, like I, worked to defend the United States and its interests. That has no bearing on this situation - UNLESS he is suffering from a psychological condition as a result of that service, and if he is, he should not be on the road as a trooper.
You mention the Trooper risking his life as a trooper. I find it ludicrous to think that you point that out about the trooper - ignoring the fact that Medic White risks his life in the performance of his duties also. Many EMS agencies are issuing their employees vests. Many EMS employees lose their life in line of duty deaths.
The Medic leaving the patient. Clearly not abandonment, it was done with the intent (right or wrong) to get the transport going again. In EMS transport is considered part of the treatment. Non-issue.
Trooper Martin has been serving for under 2 years in OHP, Medic White for 30 years, and is highly respected in the EMS world. Check out the OK state EMS webpage for some of his reports and papers he has authored on the state of EMS in Oklahoma.
Finally - just for Trivia, the trooper who got the situation calmed down - like a good law enforcement officer should - used to work in EMS, and was a EMS board member in an adjoining county.
BTW, I was in EMS for years, Fire, and Law. My original POST certification was in the 80's, military before that.
