At a recent meeting of the Standards Review and Interpretation Committee (SRIC) the committee directed staff to post for client comments the following proposed revised standard. Please post your comments prior to Friday July 17th, 2020.
4.1.5 (M M M M) (LE1) Rendering Medical Aid Following Police Actions
A written directive requires immediate and specifies procedures for ensuring appropriate medical aid:
- following
afteruse of force incidents; - involving
andinjuries sustained during detainments or apprehension; and - activating the emergency medical system when obvious severe injuries have occurred, medical distress is apparent, or the individual is unconscious.
Commentary: The intent of this standard is to minimize the severity posed by obvious injuries or non-visible trauma commonly associated with police actions. "Appropriate medical aid" should be rendered as quickly as reasonably possible, recognizing scene safety, control of the individual, and environmental circumstances may influence these actions and timing of response. but does not place the burden on the agency to have each injured person immediately evaluated at a medical facility. "Appropriate medical aid" may include increased observation to detect obvious changes in condition, flushing chemical agents from the eyes, applying first aid, evaluation by paramedics, or for more serious or life-threatening incidents, immediate aid by medical professionals. In addition to activating the emergency medical system, immediate medical aid consistent with the employee’s training should be administered for any obvious severe injuries or unconsciousness. Consideration should be given to involving disinterested and uninvolved police personnel when transporting individuals affected by police actions resulting in injury, where feasible. (M M M M) (LE1)
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