FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler County Fire Rescue announced Tuesday new safety protocols after a former paramedic accused of molesting an unconscious patient was arrested last week.
James Melady, 37, was arrested last Wednesday. He is accused of molesting a patient in an ambulance while on duty back in 2021.
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The new protocols help enhance safety and security measures, according to the fire rescue. Here’s what they are:
- Mandatory two-person protocol: “All ambulances will now have two personnel riding in the back when patients are considered vulnerable or underage to ensure additional oversight and support.”
- Psychological evaluations: “Mandatory psychological evaluations will be conducted for all fire rescue new employees to support their mental health and professional conduct. This procedure was implemented before knowledge of this incident and will continue.”
- Enhanced surveillance: “Current external 360-degree cameras used for driver awareness will have an additional camera installed in the back of all vehicles for awareness of activities in the patient compartment for additional safety.”
- Rescue supervisor on all ambulances: “In August, before awareness of this criminal allegation, Fire Rescue established the Rescue Supervisor position for all ambulances within the county to ensure oversight on all units.”
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said last month that Melady was under investigation in an unrelated case when they discovered video he took of the attack in 2021. Deputies said they interviewed the victim, who was completely unaware of the attack because they were unconscious at the time.
“These actions reflect our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the people we serve,” Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker said in a statement. “We want to emphasize that the actions of one individual do not reflect the dedication and heroism of our entire team. The men and women of Flagler County Fire Rescue are life-saving heroes who work tirelessly to protect and serve our community. The arrest of this individual for his alleged depraved criminality does not diminish the exceptional and compassionate work performed by our entire team every day.”
Melady told detectives when he was arrested that he had retired from Flagler County Fire Rescue earlier this year.
He faces charges of sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism on a victim 19 years or older.
Anyone with more information in this investigation or believes they may have been a victim is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line at 386-313-4911.
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