Docs: Foul language used toward EMT’s wife before he put thumbs on patient’s eyes
EDINBURGH, Ind. (WISH) — An emergency medical technician with the Edinburgh Fire Department applied “direct pressure” with his thumbs to the “eye socket or orbital cavity” of a patient in an ambulance after the patient used profane language toward the EMT’s wife, who is also an EMT, according to court documents.
Jeramy Goodnight, 42, of Columbus, was charged with battery and official misconduct Friday for his actions while responding to a crash on County Road 650 South on Dec. 26.
The driver of the vehicle, 28-year-old Logan Retz, was detained while information about the crash was collected and was not cooperative with police. He was handcuffed after trying to get back into his vehicle and flee.
While being checked by medics, Retz hit his head on the back of the ambulance door and started bleeding. He resisted when medics tried to restrain him on the cot for his own safety, according to court documents.
Retz has been charged with battery on a public safety official and public intoxication.
After Jeremy Goodnight asked for tape to place an oxygen mask on Retz to stop him from spitting on anyone, Retz used profane language toward Goodnight’s wife, Brittney, who is a part-time EMT with the department, and others in the ambulance.
Brittney Goodnight told investigators Retz was kicking and shaking his head as she tried to stop the bleeding.
Jeremy Goodnight stood over the Retz’s and applied pressure with both of his thumbs, causing Retz to scream in pain.
In an interview with investigators, Goodnight admitted to putting pressure on Retz’s orbital bones and said he was trying to keep Retz’s head still.
He also said he had heard about pressure on the orbital bones as a method of controlling someone years ago but did not remember where.
The law enforcement officials who investigators spoke to were in agreement that Goodnight’s actions would only be appropriate in a life-threatening situation, according to court documents.
