FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.C. — A former paramedic who mistakenly declared a man dead will keep his credentials for now, an administrative judge ruled Friday.

Attorneys for Randy Kearney argued that he acted as a firefighter, not a paramedic, on the night a car hit Larry Donnell Green.

For that reason, Administrative Law Judge Melissa Owens Lassiter gave Kearney his license back, ruling that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services would have to make the final decision as to whether he could keep his credentials. Lassiter said the county had the right to suspend Kearney's license, but did not follow the proper procedure.

The ruling now goes to the state for a final decision.

Green was found breathing at the morgue hours after he was declared dead. He is now rehabilitating from the injuries he suffered the night he was struck by the car.