EMTs Qualify as Paramedics Entitled to Enhanced Awards for Public Safety Employees

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals ruled that an emergency medical technician qualified as a “paramedic” entitled to an enhanced award of benefits for a permanent partial disability as a “public safety employee.” Case: Downer v. Baltimore County, No. 2498, 08/26/2020, published. Facts: Ashley Downer worked for the Baltimore County Fire Department as an emergency medical technician. While lifting a heavy bag of equipment at work, Downer suffered an injury to her neck. The Workers' Compensation Commission awarded Downer 45 weeks of permanent partial disabil...