Memphis Safe Task Force can stop patients from going to the hospital, memo states

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A memo from the Memphis Fire Department states that the Memphis Safe Task Force can stop a patient in its custody from being taken to the hospital, even if medical personnel on scene feel they should be.

According to the memo released early in October, federal agents “have the authority to refuse transport of a patient, even if advised by EMS personnel.”

The memo advises fire department personnel to tell federal agents if they feel that a patient in the task force’s custody should be taken to the hospital. If the federal agents refuse, EMS personnel are advised to “politely explain to the officer why the suspect needs transport.”

EMS personnel are instructed to call their lieutenant or Battalion 20 if the federal agents continue to refuse transportation to the hospital.

MFD personnel are then instructed to use the department’s digital system to file the name, badge number, and agency of the federal officer who refused to allow the patient to be taken to the hospital.

The memo’s release comes in the wake of criticisms of the Memphis Safe Task Force operations, including concerns over possible racial profiling and lack of transparency.