[Windworn]

I know of an EMT who threatened to have his wife committed. She is sane. This was recorded. He told her "I'm an emt I know what to say to have you committed. "
This took place in Texas. He has severe narcissist tendencies and has been very abusive over a 15 year marriage as well as an alcoholic. They are in a divorce right now so she finally got the will to say enough was enough. Everything I have learned about this person makes me truly disgusted. What my question is can he have his license revoked for such an abuse of this position ? Is there a statute of limitations on the offense ?

[ShadowGX]

The conversation is recorded? That definitely could do something. I don't know about the laws in Texas, nor specifically for EMTs, but as a CNA I can definitely lose my license for verbal abuse of any nature, including what he did. The fact that there's concrete proof of this, not just a "different point of view", means there would be a solid case against him.

I did a bit of Googling and found this for you: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems/qihome.shtm

Under the "valid complaints" list there's something that says "Unprofessional conduct which might endanger the public". This situation definitely sounds like such a case to me and is worth bringing up.

[SparkySmart]

This is just my opinion. I haven't done any research.

In my state, it takes exactly six months of (fairly rigorous) training to become an EMT, though advanced training takes a little longer, and experience in the field would obviously increase one's body of knowledge. Even so, I wouldn't think that an EMT has any more authority than the average citizen to "commit" someone to a psych hospital. It would more likely reflect on HIS credibility to make accusations about another person's suitability for psych admission, especially a family member with whom he has a contentious relationship. He would look utterly ridiculous, IMO. It would take less than a five-minute interview for a physician to realize the truth. This man is overestimating the value of his position in the medical hierarchy. I don't mean to offend any EMTs on this site, BTW...I appreciate your service and know you save lives as first responders.

I believe that in the 1800s and early 1900s, a husband could have his wife committed (or at least divorce her) for burning the toast at breakfast, but the laws have changed.

[Agent Misty]

I am not sure there is anything that can be done as far as having his license revoked. Honestly the idea his comment aserts is pretty divorced from reality. I imagine it takes more to accomplishing that threat than just saying something convincing to the correct party about the person he is trying to commit.

[Windworn]

He is also a fire fighter. I have spoken to several friends of mine who while work in different cities from him all had the same reaction.... wide eyed wtf look and told me oh no that is pretty bad thing to do as far as his job is concerned. We have looked into the proper places to lodge a complaint , I was just curious if there was anymore input from the psychological side that may be helpful to the case. This man has no business being an emt or fire fighter. He is the type that make the good ones look bad.

[Agent Misty]

Any input from the psychological side? I am not sure what you mean by that.

Although I haven't had a divorce My close friend went through a divorce 6 years ago and it was BITTER. They had children, assets.. the whole situation was embellished with plenty of fights and insults and yes, threats. That is not uncommon in a divorce, honestly.

He made a pretty bad call bringing his profession in to support a threat he made but honestly his comment itself was a bit vague and didn't actually imply he would use his position to abuse the system (at least from the way it was relayed here) but rather he learned from his job what is required to commit someone. In general. There is no real abuse of power in that comment... yet. Hopefully his mouth was just flapping and he doesn't act on it. Then you would definitely have reason to act against him. Although if he did make an attempt.. it probably wouldn't work.

But he still seems like a huge jerk, for sure.

[eskielover]

Evil words & threats can come out in divorce situations thst have become nasty. Gut feel was what he said might have been a reaction to one of her divorce demands.....it truly can bring out the worst in people.

Actually in Calif, it is the law enforcement that can have someone put in a 72 hour hold. For any committing it takes a hearing with a judge.....so what it sounds like he isvdoing is bullying his wife in this divorce situation.....if he has previously been abusive then this bullying behavior is NOT surprising. Once a jerk always a jerk.....but the action is personal not professional.

I highly doubt an emergency services worker would have the authority to commit a person to a psychiatric ward or hospital. While they might present a person to an ER with a report of concern about the individual's mental health, it would be up to the resident doctor and on call psychiatrist to make a decision on whether to admit them.