Fellow paramedics support paramedic charged with murder

By GREG DENTON
Boyd County Paramedics

ASHLAND — Boyd County EMS Paramedic Marty Johnson, who was charged with murder after he and his partner transported a violent patient to the hospital, is having difficulty meeting legal expenses. Marty's friends and family are currently seeking donations to assist in his defense. 

As most people are aware, legal defense can quickly become expensive. The cost of Marty's defense is already nearing $40,000 and is expected to exceed $50,000 dollars. Johnson's income has been reduced due to being placed on administrative duty. All of Marty's paramedic co-workers are assisting him financially to meet the day to day needs of his family (wife and two children). The Boyd County Paramedics continue their financial support because of their strong belief in his innocence.

We as EMS providers need to realize that this could happen to any of us at any time. Marty and his partner transported a violent patient to the hospital from the Boyd County Detention Center; the patient was withdrawing from drug abuse and experienced cardiac arrest after arriving at the hospital. Most people assume Marty was providing patient care but Marty was actually driving both to and from the detention center.

The Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services reviewed this case on at least two occasions and found no grounds to take action against Johnson, and refused to suspend his paramedic license.  Dr. O'Brien was reported as saying "this is a witch hunt."

Johnson has retained a very qualified attorney, and has hired eight physicians to provide expert testimony. These eight all agree that the patient's death was due to an underlying cardiac condition and his history of drug abuse. One physician is from San Francisco, Calif., and another is from Suffolk County, NY; both require travel expenses. So as you can see defense expenses can grow quickly. The Boyd County (Kentucky) Paramedics are asking the EMS community to stick together and help support one of our own because we never know which one of us could be next to experience a similar situation.

Please send donations to:

Friends of Marty Johnson
First and Peoples Bank & Trust Co.
400 Ferry St.
Russell KY 41169

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