SEN. BRANDON SMITH APPLAUDS DISMISSAL OF PARAMEDIC CASE AND CALLS FOR RULE RECONSIDERATION

SEN. BRANDON SMITH APPLAUDS DISMISSAL OF PARAMEDIC CASE AND CALLS FOR RULE RECONSIDERATION

Case involved Powell County paramedics who risked a referral for potential license revocation after administering antivenom that saved a life

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2025) — Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, released the following statement today after the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS)dismissed disciplinary proceedings against Powell County paramedics Eddie Barnes and his colleague:

"Today’s decision affirms what the public, the victim’s family, and medical professionals have said all along. These paramedics are heroes. 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.

"While I am grateful this case has been resolved, the rule that brought us here must be revisited. No regulation should place red tape above human life or leave first responders fearing punishment for making the right call in a crisis. I urge the governing bodies to review the scope of practice requirements so that paramedics are never again put in this position.

"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."

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The Powell County case drew national attention after paramedics administered antivenom to renowned snake expert Jim Harrison, who credited them with saving his life. Harrison’s family has publicly praised the paramedics as “heroes who did what needed to be done.” 

Earlier this week, Smith sent a letter to KBEMS urging dismissal of the case and a review of the regulation that put the paramedics before a hearing.

Access a copy of Sen. Brandon Smith’s letter by clicking here.

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Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, represents the 30th Senate District, which includes Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Leslie, Magoffin, Morgan, Perry, Powell, and Wolfe Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Banking and Insurance; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Transportation. Smith is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection. In 2024, he served on the Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Additionally, he is a member of the Blockchain Working Group and the Housing Policy Advisory Committee. 

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