The Muncie Fireplace Division and its Emergency Medical Service are below shut scrutiny following allegations of systemic fraud which have rocked the division.

“This actually shocks me that some folks can or might have cheated as a result of we’ve plenty of good folks, and by proxy all of us must pay for it,” Muncie Fireplace Chief Robert Mead advised 13News.

13 Investigates confirmed that the division is now the main focus of three separate investigations. All contain allegations that firefighters and EMTs have been in a position to cheat their certification exams after receiving actual questions and solutions earlier than or throughout their checks.

Mead mentioned he first discovered of the allegations final month. Requested for additional particulars, she advised 13News that members of her division have been accused of improperly gathering check questions and solutions, then sharing them with colleagues to assist them move core certification exams. and superior. These exams are required for EMTs and paramedics to be licensed to work on an ambulance.

Now, the nationwide group that conducts EMT exams has launched an investigation.

“I used to be knowledgeable by the Nationwide EMT Registry that they have been opening an investigation into a number of members of our division,” Mead mentioned. “I hope the allegations come again as unfounded, that we’re exonerated from that. But when it goes the opposite approach, we’ll take care of it as regardless of the final result is.

Contacted by 13News, the Nationwide Register of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) mentioned it was taking Muncie’s allegations very significantly.

“Defending the general public is paramount and we started investigating these allegations as quickly as they have been dropped at our consideration,” mentioned Invoice Seifarth, CEO and government director of the Nationwide Registry. “We wish to make it possible for EMS candidates have taken their certification exams accurately and that their particular person data and abilities are appropriately measured.”

NREMT oversees the certification of EMTs and paramedics in 48 states (together with Indiana), and its web site emphasizes the integrity of its testing and certification course of which is supposed to make sure “public safety and affected person security.” A spokesperson advised 13News that its investigation into potential fraud inside the Muncie Fireplace Division is in cooperation with state authorities.

These authorities embrace the Indiana Division of Homeland Safety, which has now launched two separate investigations into allegations of fraud involving Muncie Firefighters and EMTs.

One of many state investigations is being performed by the Indiana Division of Homeland Safety’s Workplace of Emergency Medical Companies, which is at present investigating the whole Muncie Fireplace Division over the allegations.

“After we hear about potential dishonest, we sometimes get an accusation from one or two folks, however we not often hear that a complete system or division may very well be concerned,” mentioned Kraig Kinney, director of Indiana state EMS. “We’re investigating each people and the division as an entire. The query is, are these folks performing inappropriately individually or on behalf of the division? So the division itself can also be a part of the investigation.

Kinney, who additionally sits on NREMT’s board, mentioned his workplace’s investigation might take one other 60 to 90 days to finish because of the complexity of the allegations. She mentioned the investigation will possible embrace in-person interviews with MFD firefighters and EMTs, and that her division has additionally acquired quite a few paperwork.

“It was solely once I noticed these paperwork that I noticed how dangerous it was,” she advised 13News. “I wish to ensure Muncie will get a good and thorough investigation, however from every part I see, it simply appears like a rip-off to me.”

The Indiana State Fireplace Marshal’s workplace is conducting the second investigation as a result of Muncie’s allegations additionally embrace potential fraud involving state exams for firefighters. These exams check proficiency in particular firefighter specialties and allow firefighters to earn further certifications that may result in promotions and wage will increase.

“There aren’t any shortcuts to turning into a firefighter. There aren’t any shortcuts to turning into a paramedic or EMT. It takes tons of and 1000’s of hours to develop these professionals,” mentioned Fireplace Marshal Steve Jones, who mentioned two investigators from the Indiana Division of Homeland Safety have been assigned to look into allegations of fraud on the Division of Firefighters. Muncie Fireplace Division “Integrity is every part, and that is what we would like. We would like folks to do the correct factor. I hope it occurred right here, but when not, there could also be a penalty to pay.”

The high-quality may very well be fairly excessive if the allegations transform correct.

In keeping with Kinney, the state has the authorized authority to impose self-discipline in opposition to firefighters and EMTs for actions it believes embrace materials fraud or deception. Blatant violations of NREMT examination guidelines might attain that threshold.

EMT and Paramedics candidates taking a Nationwide Registry examination should adjust to testing guidelines which embrace:

• Candidates are usually not permitted to reveal or talk about with anybody, together with instructors, details about the examination questions or solutions seen throughout the examination.
• It’s forbidden to reconstruct the examination gadgets utilizing the examination reminiscence or the reminiscence of others.

If these guidelines are violated, the state can impose quite a lot of penalties, starting from putting an EMT or paramedic on probation to having their EMT certification revoked for as much as seven years. Violators may face a civil high-quality of $500 per prevalence.

Kinney advised 13News the state additionally has the flexibility to take motion in opposition to a complete division, together with revoking its certification to conduct coaching.

Such actions, if essential, might considerably impression an emergency medical service serving 65,000 folks all through the Metropolis of Muncie. Many firefighters nationwide are experiencing a scarcity of EMTs and the town of Muncie is going through excessive demand for ambulance providers.

“If nothing else, it is a wake-up name for departments to look into their coaching practices,” added Kinney, who mentioned it was too quickly to find out whether or not allegations involving the Muncie Fireplace Division may very well be validate.

Mead made this level talking to 13News.

“These allegations are simply that at this level – allegations – till one thing is confirmed,” he mentioned. She has inspired members of her division to cooperate if they’re contacted by investigators.

On the similar time, the fireplace chief acknowledged the massive impression such allegations might have on his division, particularly if they’re confirmed to be true.

“I’ve already thought of every part that might occur, and it scares the shit out of me. It is too large to even take into consideration,” Mead advised 13News. “The nice women and men within the division may need to undergo by the hands of a foul man or two, and that hurts lots… It simply boils down to moral conduct, and that is one thing you study in kindergarten.”