Radiolab – The Good Samaritan

Intro

In this episode of Radiolab titled “The Good Samaritan,” the hosts explore the story of an EMS worker who saves a man’s life from an opiate overdose but ends up being exposed to a dangerous substance himself. The podcast delves into the risks that come with doing good and the challenges faced by emergency responders in the face of the opioid crisis. It also discusses the impact of the Good Samaritan law and the legal implications for those involved in drug overdoses. Join Radiolab as they uncover the complexities of being a first responder and the consequences of trying to make a difference.

Main Takeaways

The Cost of Doing Good

• EMS workers respond to a call for an unresponsive man in Eastern Kentucky.
• The man is found in a kitchen, lying in water and showing signs of an opiate overdose.
• EMS worker administers Naloxone nasal spray to reverse the overdose and save the man’s life.
• Shortly after, one of the EMS workers, Scotty Whiteman, starts feeling unwell and calls for help.
• Scotty is found to have the same symptoms as the man they just saved, indicating possible exposure to a dangerous substance.
• EMT Scotty gets exposed to a dangerous substance while saving a man’s life.
• Multiple similar incidents have been reported across the country.
• Over 100 cases of EMTs and police officers being exposed to dangerous substances have been reported.
• The story is about the cost of doing good and the dangers that come with it.

Scotty Whiteman’s Journey

• Scotty, an EMT, overdosed and was the subject of a New York Times article.
• The podcast host interviewed Scotty to learn his story and why he became an EMT.
• Scotty’s “why” was a near-death experience in a trucking accident during Hurricane Floyd.
• The accident inspired Scotty to become an EMT and help others in similar situations.
• Scotty’s upbringing and family background may have contributed to his drug use, which began when he was 19 and experiencing kidney stones.
• Scotty refused to lose his left hand and became an EMT to help others in similar situations.

The Opioid Crisis and Overdose Calls

• The heroin epidemic has destroyed families and led to an increase in drug overdoses.
• Overdose calls increased from 1-2 per week to 5-6 per day in 2017.
• Fentanyl is a fully synthetic opioid that is extremely potent and often comes in powder form.
• Fentanyl has been around for decades and is used in hospitals in various forms, including patches and lollipops.
• Drug dealers started cutting fentanyl into heroin to maximize profit, leading to unknowing users taking a much more potent drug than they intended.
• Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin.
• A new synthetic opioid called Carphenol is even more dangerous and can kill with just seven grains.
• Law enforcement, emergency medical services, and hospital workers are at risk of exposure to fentanyl and Carphenol.
• Exposure to fentanyl and Carphenol is a growing issue in small cities and rural areas, not just big cities.

The Good Samaritan Law and Legal Implications

• The Good Samaritan law was created to protect people who care about others in emergency situations.
• 46 states, including Kentucky, have adopted the law, which grants immunity to those who call 911 during a drug overdose.
• The law is facing pushback from prosecutors who argue that it does not grant immunity for all charges, such as one endangerment.
• Ronnie Goldie, Commonwealth of Kentucky has charged Scotty, Ricky, and Jessica with 10 counts of felony one endangerment.
• Scotty Whiteman calls for accountability for those who caused harm.

Summary

The Dangers of Doing Good

This episode of Radiolab explores the story of Scotty Whiteman, an EMS worker who saves a man’s life from an opiate overdose but ends up being exposed to a dangerous substance himself. It highlights the risks faced by emergency responders across the country who encounter similar incidents. The prevalence of fentanyl and Carphenol, highly potent synthetic opioids, has increased the danger for first responders. The podcast also delves into the opioid crisis and the rise in drug overdoses, as well as the impact of the Good Samaritan law in encouraging people to call for help during an overdose. However, the law’s legal implications and the pushback from prosecutors are also discussed, shedding light on the complexities surrounding drug-related cases.

Scotty Whiteman’s Journey and Motivation

The podcast delves into Scotty Whiteman’s personal journey and the reasons behind his decision to become an EMT. Scotty’s near-death experience in a trucking accident during Hurricane Floyd inspired him to help others in similar situations. His own struggle with drug addiction and the impact it had on his life played a significant role in his motivation to become an EMT. The podcast also explores the challenges faced by Scotty and his girlfriend, Jessica, as they navigate the legal consequences of the overdose incident.

The Opioid Crisis and Overdose Calls

Radiolab sheds light on the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, which has led to a significant increase in drug overdoses across the country. The prevalence of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, has contributed to the rise in overdose calls. Drug dealers cutting fentanyl into heroin has resulted in unsuspecting users consuming a much more potent drug than they intended. The dangers faced by law enforcement, emergency medical services, and hospital workers in handling fentanyl and Carphenol are also explored. The podcast emphasizes that exposure to these substances is not limited to big cities but is also a growing issue in small cities and rural areas.

The Good Samaritan Law and Legal Implications

The Good Samaritan law, adopted by 46 states, including Kentucky, aims to protect those who call 911 during a drug overdose by granting them immunity. However, the podcast highlights the pushback from prosecutors who argue that the law does not provide immunity for all charges, such as one endangerment. The legal implications are exemplified through the case of Scotty Whiteman, his stepdad Ricky, and his girlfriend Jessica, who have been charged with felony endangerment. Scotty advocates for accountability for those who cause harm while also questioning the fairness and consequences of the legal system.

Conclusion

“The Good Samaritan” episode of Radiolab sheds light on the risks faced by emergency responders in their efforts to save lives during the opioid crisis. It highlights the personal journey of Scotty Whiteman and his motivation to become an EMT. The podcast also explores the impact of the Good Samaritan law and the legal complexities surrounding drug-related cases. This thought-provoking episode serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who choose to do good and the need for accountability and support in navigating the challenges of the opioid crisis.