Emergency Medical Training for Law Enforcement Officers
Files
Date
2018
Authors
Tarrant, Adam L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)
Abstract
Description
Most law enforcement officers in America have very little medical training and only carry a basic first aid kit in their vehicles. When they encounter a citizen or fellow officer who has been severely injured, they request the assistance of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and their local fire rescue. Depending on their location, it can take EMS an extended amount of time to arrive on scene. In addition, if the situation involves a violent suspect, EMS and fire will not enter the scene until it is safe. A solution to this problem is to train law enforcement officers to become certified Emergency Medical Responders (EMR). This certification is the first level in the EMS system. It provides officers the knowledge and training to use equipment necessary to immediately begin providing medical care to patients prior to the arrival of EMS.
According to Pierce and Goldstein (2015), there are three main causes of death that are preventable if first responders have the proper training and equipment. These are bleeding from extremity wounds, penetrating/blunt injuries to the chest, and suffocation. Officers who are also certified EMR’s possess the training and equipment to immediately begin treating patients and save lives. While protecting the communities they serve, law enforcement officers should also be trained Emergency Medical responders.
Keywords
Police training, Medical emergencies