There is a discussion on an US forum about the use of photos taken at accidents and emergencies on social web sites such as facebook – you can read the discussion on the blog maintained by fire fighter and lawyer, Curt Varone.
I have posted my own comments and questions there. For an Australian perspective on this subject, you can read my thoughts in ‘Media Access to Emergencies – Command, Control or Co-ordination?’ (2010) 25(1) Australian Journal of Emergency Management 13-17.
Rescue officers in NSW should be mindful of the photographic policy produced by the State Rescue Board and which you can read on their website. The photo policy is annex B to the State Rescue Policy.
Michael Eburn
Australian Emergency Law 
Michael
Once again a very informative article especially in today’s high technological age. Considering it is now possible to have hi definition photo and video capabilities on mobile phones and now with the advent of tablet devices able to record and store more video content than ever.
In deed in my service that is about to go digital with the collecting of patient data (i.e. electronic patient records) the question has already been asked if paramedical staff could on the stand point patient care take photos of patient injuries and accident scenes. The excuse for this has been given as to enable receiving medical staff to have a better understanding of the patient’s injuries and in turn better evidence of possible outcomes in the patient’s condition one example given was if a patient is stabbed then it should be allowed to photograph the knife that was used.
Having listened to all the arguments for and against I am in the against camp as with a properly narrated patient record form it will yield all the information that would be required by medical staff to gage an informed opinion of patient condition prior to more intensive tests being performed to map the concise condition of the patient.
I think it is time for all emergency service organisations to either a) Introduce a social media policy on what is and is not appropriate to post on social media sites and b) the use of photographic equipment (i.e. Mobile phone and tablet cameras) while on calls and during patient/victim contact, and c) if such a social media policy is in force to bring it up to date to cover new technology use.
This is especially important in circumstances were the organisation concerned is not covered by legislation (e.g. St John Ambulance, Red Cross and volunteer rescue units). It is totally inappropriate to report on social media sites about patient contacts if such reporting leads to the identity of the patient concerned and it is a complete violation of patient confidentiality to post photos/videos on social media sites.
I hate to admit it but the allowing of such technology may well leave it open to abuse as happened in the A.C.T. in March as report in EMS1.com (see link at the end) as such it should be strictly controlled, but as I have already said the use of such technology should not be used by front line personnel and properly constructed written reports should be enough to provide an adequate description of what was seen at the incident.
http://www.ems1.com/ems-social-media/articles/993851-Australian-medic-under-fire-for-patient-info-post-on-Facebook