Emergency Medical Services Expert Witnesses in California
The SEAK Expert Witness Directory contains a comprehensive list of emergency medical services expert witnesses who testify, consult and provide litigation support on emergency medical services and related issues. Emergency medical services expert witnesses and consultants on this page may form expert opinions, draft expert witness reports, and provide expert witness testimony at deposition and trial. The issues and subjects these emergency medical services expert witnesses testify regarding may include: Trauma, Sepsis, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medicine, Ems, Stroke, Appendicitis, Cpr, Medical Malpractice, Aortic Dissection, Cardiac Arrest, Critical Care Medicine, Ectopic Pregnancy, Emergency Intubation, and Epidural Abscess.
View Full Profile
Steve Tafoya, MLS, MBA, CCEMT-P
Critical Care Paramedic- Prior State EMS Manager
Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Preparedness
-
Prehospital standards of care, EMS operations, Ambulance transport protocols, EMS documentation practices, EMS scope of practice, Regulatory compliance, Medical direction, Credentialing, Medical disaster response, Emergency preparedness, Hospital Transfers, 911
Professional Summary Steve Tafoya is a practicing Critical Care Paramedic, EMS instructor, former State EMS Program Manager for Nevada, and former U.S. Coast Guard Health Services Technician with over 25 years of experience in emergency medical services, regulatory compliance, healthcare operations, and disaster response. He holds advanced graduate degrees in Healthcare Management (MBA) and Legal Studies (MLS), providing a unique ability to bridge clinical realities with operational standards and regulatory frameworks. He has authored public health legislation, directed interfacility transport programs, led mass-casualty preparedness, and conducted internal audits of credentialing and regulatory enforcement. Steve has overseen statewide EMS compliance for over 60 permitted EMS agencies, along with trauma centers designations, he has deployed nationally with the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) under Health and Human Services and taught 70 college-level EMS credits hours at t...
View Full Profile
Geo Henderson
EMS & Paramedic Standard of Care Expert
GeoHenderson.com
Emergency Medical Services
-
Ambulance Operations, EMS, EMT, Paramedic, Standard of Care, Medical Malpractice, Cardiac Arrest, Airway, Patient transport, Personal Injury, Refusal of Care, Stretcher drops, Emergency Medical Technician, Ambulance Response, Protocols, Delay of Care, Prehospital medical care, Emergency Medical Services, Wrongful Death, Negligence
Practicing paramedic and EMS officer with more than 35 years of experience in prehospital care, ambulance operations, and emergency services.
Active in both field response and supervisory roles, with experience in patient assessment, airway management, cardiac arrest care, scene decision-making, provider supervision, protocol implementation, quality improvement, and EMS education.
Retained as an expert witness in more than 80 matters across more than 20 states for both plaintiff and defense counsel.
Casework has included issues involving airway management, resuscitation, delayed EMS response, scene management, patient refusals and informed consent, dispatch and triage, equipment readiness, policy compliance, ambulance operations, and stretcher-related injuries.
Current roles include Battalion Chief/Paramedic with the City of Albany Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Shift Commander/Paramedic with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office EMS Division. Additional experience i...
View Full Profile
Gary R Polsfuss, MD
Gary R Polsfuss MD INC
San Diego, California
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services
-
Drug Overdose, Stroke (CVA), Myocardial Infarction (MI), Septic Shock, Pulmonary Embolism (PE), Alcohol Withdrawal, Meningitis, Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Vertebral Artery Dissection, Aortic Dissection, Spinal Cord Injury/Paralysis, Appendicitis, Epidural Abscess, Ectopic Pregnancy, EMTALA, Eye Trauma
I have 24 years of experience working in Emergency Medicine managing high-risk cases at multiple high volume emergency departments, including a 290-bed Level 3 trauma center and primary psychiatric emergency facility providing care to a largely under-served area, and an urban 700 bed Level 1 trauma and academic center. American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) Certified since 2001. Directorship and Leadership experience for over 17 years. Extensive peer-review and performance improvement experience working with other emergency physicians and mid-level providers. I have worked with both Plaintiff and Defense attorneys. Currently in practice.
View Full Profile
John B Everlove, MS, NRP
Experienced EMS/Patient Transportation Expert
Acclaim Consulting & Educational Services, Inc.
Westlake Village, California
Emergency Medical Services, Transportation
-
Paramedic, EMT, Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Medical Services, EMS, Standard of Care, EMT negligence, paramedic negligence, advanced airway, intubation, ET Tube, CPR, prone wrongful death, in custody death, medical malpractice, ambulance crash, gurney drop, stretcher drop, patient drop, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
As an Expert Witness and Consultant, Mr. Everlove has participated in the evaluation of numerous cases throughout the United States, related to Emergency Medical Services standard of care, patient care, clinical management, treatment, transport, and medical/legal issues.
Mr. Everlove holds a national certification and several state licenses, including current employment as a Paramedic/Fire Fighter with and has been actively serving in the State of California since 1992.
Mr. Everlove holds a Master of Science degree in Emergency Services Administration and Emergency Management, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Mr. Everlove has directed and coordinated Emergency Medical Services in partnership with local, state and federal agencies including the FBI, the United States Secret Service and the White House Medical Unit.
As a Paramedic Supervisor and Clinical Manager for an EMS organization of 150 employees, Mr. Everlove conducted numerous investigations related to all aspects of EMT and Pa...
View Full Profile
Marc Eckstein, MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine/EMS Expert
Los Angeles, California
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services
-
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services, Paramedics, AED, Stroke, Cardiac Arrest, Dispatch, 911
Marc Eckstein, MD, MPH, is a nationally recognized leader with over 30 years of experience in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Dr. Eckstein is double board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services. He has built an international reputation as a physician, leader, academician, innovator, and physician executive.
Dr. Eckstein has testified in dozens of cases for both defense and plaintiff, and he examines the merits of each case with full transparency to evaluate the strengths and weakness of the case.
Dr. Eckstein was the first attending to ever achieve the rank of Professor of Emergency Medicine and Clinical Scholar at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in the 35-year history of the USC Department of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Eckstein has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, and book chapters, and lectures around the world on Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medicine, and disaster p...
View Full Profile
Ross Levin, MD
Emergency Medicine Expert, Trusted & Experienced
Santa Barbara, California
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services
-
Trauma, Stroke, Myocardial Infarction, Ectopic Pregnancy, Sepsis, Pulmonary Embolism, Fracture, Pneumonia, Appendicitis, Ischemia, Torsion, AAA, Hemorrhage, Meningitis, Dissection, EMS, Burn, Dislocation, Injury, Shock
Dr. Ross Levin is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over a decade of full-time clinical experience across high-volume trauma centers, community hospitals, and rural emergency departments. He provides expert witness services for both plaintiff and defense attorneys, offering timely, objective, and clearly written opinions grounded in active, real-world emergency medicine practice.
Dr. Levin regularly manages high-acuity cases including trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke, sepsis, STEMI, and airway emergencies. He is well-versed in the clinical realities of limited-resource settings and has extensive experience supervising physician assistants and nurse practitioners, ensuring appropriate oversight and scope-of-practice compliance.
He is a trusted expert for the California Medical Board and California Department of Justice, where he reviews allegations of substandard care and provides formal expert opinions in regulatory and legal matters. His medical-legal work is know...
View Full Profile
Emily Venne, BSN, RN, CEN
Experienced Emergency RN, Legal Nurse Consultant
Critical Insight Nurse Consulting, LLC.
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services
-
Travel Nursing, Pediatric Emergency, Emergency Intubation, Trauma, Triage, Cardiac Arrest, DKA, Sepsis, GSW, STEMI Chest pain, respiratory arrest, Stroke/ TNK, Emergency Nurse, coronary artery disease, COVID, Medical Record Review, Medication Errors, Legal Nurse Consultant, Critical Care Medicine, wrongful death
Emily Venne has been an emergency nurse for over 14 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University and received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Chaffey College. Emily completed the legal nurse consult certificate program through California State Long Beach. She currently holds certifications in basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), and is a certified emergency nurse (CEN). She was a nominee of the Extraordinary Nurse of the Year Award in 2025.
Meticulous and detail oriented she is an expert in both adult and pediatric emergency nursing. She is a seasoned nursing professional with excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Emily has also worked as an emergency travel nurse. This experience has given her a unique perspective of different clinical settings in various cities and states. Emily possesses a deep understanding of emergency care protocols, documentation standa...
View Full Profile
Anne Schmitt, MD
Emergency Physician and Trauma Specialist
Venice, California
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services
-
Emergency Medical Malpractice, EMS, personal injury, medical chart record review, written report, pediatric emergency, head trauma, domestic violence/abuse, Ethics, Peer review, Urgent care
I am a board certified Emergency Medicine physician with over 14 years of experience in clinical practice at many different types of hospitals mainly in the Los Angeles area. I have worked at a Government hospitals (Veterans hospital), HMOs (kaiser) as well as community hospitals and free standing urgent cares. I have experience with adults, geriatrics and pediatrics. I was an EMT, ED technician and emergency medicine scribe prior to medical school. I also supervise training resident physicians at the Veterans Hospital as well as nurse practicioners and physician assistants in the community. I have been on the LA Superior Court's panel of Expert Witnesses since 2018, I have been retained in over 80 cases and testify regularly. I have worked on cases for the Defense and Prosecution as well as civil cases and medical malpractice. In addition to clinical practice and expert witness work, I am a physician expert reviewer serving for the Medical Board of California and I perform p...
View Full Profile
Darcy B Denning, RN
24 years of Emergency and Correctional Nursing
Camarillo, California
Emergency Medical Services, Correctional Healthcare
-
Registered Nurse, Correctional nursing, Emergency nursing, CPR, Prehospital care, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, MICN, EDAP, telephonic triage, Sepsis care, Pediatrics, Critical care transport, Stroke, jail, Incarcerated persons, NCCHC, Trauma, Fall prevention
Darcy Denning RN has 24 years of expertise in bedside Emergency, Telephonic Triage and Correctional nursing care. 22 years expertise in Prehospital Emergency medical services as a Mobile Intensive Care Nurse (MICN).
Darcy Dennings current Licensure and certifications: Registered nurse with the state of California, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certified (CPR), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum (TNCC), Mobile Intensive Care nurse (MICN), Emergency Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
Teaches Classes on Emergency response in the correctional setting to correctional and medical staff.
She is able to Provide medical case review, expert witness consultation and testimony to law firms.
CV upon request
View Full Profile
Dustin H Lugod, RN, BSN
Emergency Medicine and PACU Registered Nurse
San Marcos, California
Nurse, Emergency Medical Services
-
Emergency, Trauma, Trauma Nurse, PACU, CPR, Recovery, general surgery, Perioperative, Massive Transfusion Protocol, medical record review, medication errors, robotics, sepsis, GSW, triage, emergency intubation, STEMI, ambulatory surgery, Critical Care Medicine, nursing
Dustin has more than 17 years of experience in the field of nursing, including bedside nursing in the Intensive Care Unit, Code Team, Rapid Response Team, Emergency Department, Trauma Activation & Resuscitation, Highly Infectious Disease Training, and Perioperative Services. His experience includes leadership roles as he has served as relief charge nurse for the departments mentioned and was an Advanced Clinician in the Emergency Department for Sharp Healthcare, providing mentorship, preceptorship and training to both newly hired staff and current staff to specialty roles.
Dustin has also instructed in departmental continued educational programs annually since 2015. In addition to his diverse nursing experience, his qualifications are highlighted by a detailed understanding of electronic medical records and chart auditing. Dustin served as a unit-based EPIC SuperUser for Long Beach Memorial’s Go-Live Implementation in 2008 and Sharp Healthcare’s Go-Live implementation in 2024.
View Full Profile
Eric M Rudnick, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, FAEMS
Wound Care Expert & Board-Certified EMS Physician
Dignity Health Wound and Hyperbaric Center, Shasta Regional Medical Center's Wound Center and Air Methods Corporation
Red Bluff, California
Wound Care, Emergency Medical Services
-
Diabetic wounds, bone infection, Leg wounds, Nursing home, Traumatic wounds, Emergency Medical Services, 911 systems, Peripheral arterial wounds, Ground & Air Ambulance, Pressure wounds, Venous leg ulcers & wounds, Bed sores, Lymphedema, Decubitus Ulcers, Healthcare Leadership
I pride myself on being able to explain complex topics to both patients and their families; going through the medical decision-making process and answering all the questions that arise to help people make informed decisions regarding their care. This style is a direct result of my many years of being an educator in medicine. I have been actively practicing Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine since 2016. I split my time clinical time between two separate facilities in Northern California (Shasta Regional Medical Center (SRMC) and Dignity Health St. Elizabeth's Community Hospital). Being the medial director for SRMC's Wound Center is challenging to bring state of the care in resource poor area. I enthusiastically teach locally and nationally (both workshops and didactic lectures). Furthermore, being a peer reviewer for the Journal Advances in Skin & Wound Care and Wounds Journal is a stellar opportunity to help shape the future of wound care. At both Shasta Regional Medical Center and ...
View Full Profile
Faraaz Bhatti, MD, FRCEM, DFMS, LLM, MBA
Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician
Thousand Oaks, California
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services
-
Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Medical Expert, Emergency Department Standards of Care, Medical Malpractice Expert, Clinical Negligence, Board-Certified Emergency Physician, Healthcare Litigation, Sepsis, Delayed Diagnosis, Injury Law, Medical Records Review
Faraaz Bhatti, MD, FRCEM, DFMS, LLM, MBA.
Dual-Trained Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician | Emergency Department Medical Director | Expert Witness in Emergency Medicine and Healthcare Litigation.
Dr. Faraaz Bhatti is a distinguished Emergency Medicine physician, dual-trained in both the United Kingdom and the United States, with extensive experience across clinical practice, leadership, and medical education. Dr. Bhatti is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) and a Fellow of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM) in the UK, having completed Emergency Medicine training in both countries. His unique training and broad experience position him as a leading expert in Emergency Medicine, forensic aspects of medicine, and healthcare systems.
Dr. Bhatti graduated from medical school in 2010 at the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta. Over the course of his career, he has successfully completed two residencies, further refinin...
View Full Profile
Ken Zafren, MD, FAAEM, FACEP, FAWM
California
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services
-
Emergency Medicine, including Resuscitation, Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack), Stroke, TIA, Pulmonary Embolism, Aortic Dissection, Epidural Abscess, Sepsis, Aneurysm, Appendicitis, Trauma, Spinal Injuries. Environmental Medicine, including Hypothermia, Frostbite, High Altitude, Heat Stroke
EXPERIENCED EXPERT WITNESS
Board Certified - American Board of Emergency Medicine.
Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and attending physician - Stanford University Hospital (Level I Trauma Center).
Staff physician, Alaska Native Medical Center (Level II Trauma Center)
Former Emergency Programs Medical (EMS) Director, State of Alaska.
American College of Emergency Physicians Award: Hero of Emergency Medicine
Available for consultation, chart review, and testimony for plaintiff or defense.
View Full Profile
Gary W Tamkin, MD, FACEP
Gary W Tamkin MD Inc
Lafayette, California
Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services
-
General emergency medical malpractice, all sizes of EDs:small community to tertiary academic, EMS, paramedic, law enforcement, helicopter, administration, disruptive physician
I am a board-certified emergency medicine physician. I have been called upon to express opinions in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, negligence, standard of care, and causation. I am involved in both plaintiff and defense cases.
My qualifications include:
o Award-winning emergency medicine physician in active practice with 30 years clinical experience.
o Former Associate Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine (Volunteer) at University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
o Current VP of company that staffs 500 emergency departments, helping to oversee more than 5000 providers in risk management and quality assurance issues
o Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians
o Past President of the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians
o Medical Director of California Highway Patrol
o Extensive publication and speaking experience in the area of emergency medicine
o Experienced expert witness
I pride...
View Full Profile
Stephen D Chin, MD, FAAEM
Urgent Care and Emergency Medicine Expert
Burlingame, California
Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine
-
Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine, Medical Malpractice, Risk Management, Documentation Analysis, Quality Assurance, Medical Education, Trauma, Child Abuse, Substance Abuse, Overdose
● Board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over 30 years’ clinical experience.
● Over 10 years’ experience training Emergency Medicine physicians at a Level I Trauma Center.
● Quality Assurance Consultant for the Medical Board of California.
● Experience in Emergency Medicine Documentation Quality Assurance.
● Instructor for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine Oral Board Review Course.
● Clinical and Administrative Urgent Care experience including Medication Assisted Treatment.
● Published author in physical child abuse research.
● Award-winning public speaker.
● Experienced in providing expert witness testimony at both deposition and trial.
You can also find Emergency Medical Services Expert Witnesses in:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin
