نشریه علمی پژوهشی طب انتظامی Journal of Police Medicine
Volume 12, Issue 1 (2023)
J Police Med 2023, 12(1) |
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Shirzad H, Shirzad O, Aghdam H. The need to be prepared all police forces to perform basic rescue measures in case of emergency. J Police Med 2023; 12 (1) : e26
URL: http://jpmed.ir/article-1-1252-en.html
URL: http://jpmed.ir/article-1-1252-en.html
1- Member of the Faculty of Police Science Research Institute , hshirzad1348@gmail.com
2- Member of the Faculty of Police Science Research Institute
3- Emergency Medicine Specialist
2- Member of the Faculty of Police Science Research Institute
3- Emergency Medicine Specialist
English Extended Abstract: (291 Views)
Police officers play an essential role in maintaining public safety and health. They are often the first people to arrive at the scene of various incidents. One of the things that officers should pay special attention to is incidents that cause serious personal injury.
Given that officers may encounter scenes that require immediate action during an emergency, it is critical to have the appropriate knowledge and training. This knowledge and training will help them to take correct and basic actions to save the lives of injured people in the face of emergency incidents. These measures can be very critical before performing additional diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Also, sometimes it is considered as the first step necessary for the success of advanced measures, and it can also prevent the aggravation of injuries and the development of complications.
In addition, officers can play an important role in providing medical care to injured people when rescue forces are unable to enter the scene due to special circumstances. They can take the necessary first steps to prevent the injuries from worsening and ensure the survival of the injured person.
Currently, officers in many cases serve as first responders for the units they serve. This role is very vital and sensitive because these people have to make important decisions in stressful and high-pressure situations that may cause life or death [1]. A recent study found that in more than 80 percent of cases, police agencies responded to medical emergencies involving injured individuals, and approximately 50 percent of these groups provided some form of patient care at the scene. This shows that officers, in addition to their main duties, also pay attention to humanity and the importance of preserving people's health and lives [2]. Also, a more recent survey shows that 40 percent of officers in two major operational units have attended to the medical affairs of their colleagues before the arrival of emergency services. This shows that police officers can provide first aid and support in emergencies by knowing exactly the situations and immediate needs of people [3].
Due to the importance and sensitivity of this role, appropriate and updated training for officers is very necessary so that they can provide the best services to people in emergencies. Also, establishing coordination and cooperation between police officers and medical and relief teams is of great importance to obtain the best possible result for people in emergencies.
Medical interventions performed by first responders play a vital role in saving lives. These forces, including the police, who are present more than 50 percent of the time, can significantly improve response times to accidents and medical emergencies. According to the studies, the presence of the police before the emergency medical service units reduces the average response time from 7.6 minutes to 4.9 minutes [4]. Time plays a very important role in emergencies. The shorter the response time to an accident or medical emergency, the more likely it is to save people. Therefore, the presence of security forces, such as police, who have received basic medical training, can act as a bridge between the incident and emergency medical services and significantly improve emergency response times. Therefore, developing and strengthening programs and training related to the provision of medical interventions by police forces is one of the effective solutions to improve the medical emergency system and increase the rescue rate in the face of medical emergencies and accidents. Coordination and cooperation between security forces and emergency medical services will ensure improved response times and increased capabilities of medical interventions in emergencies, ultimately helping to save more lives.
On the other hand, in the last decade, police officers have faced serious challenges that have led to their deaths. Based on the information provided, we find that an average of 156 line-of-duty deaths are reported annually. These statistics show that police officers face real risks that threaten their lives and health [5]. Another worrying data is that an average of 54 officers are killed in the line of duty every year. These numbers show that police officers are facing serious risks that threaten their lives. Every 9 minutes an officer is attacked somewhere and every 33 minutes someone is injured. These statistics show that police officers are exposed to serious risks and need more attention and protection [6].
On the other hand, based on the data collected, the leading causes of death among police officers are motor vehicle accidents (unintentional trauma), gunshot wounds (intentional trauma), and work-related (medical) illnesses. These factors show that police officers face various risks that require protective and preventive programs to protect officers and their lives. In 2011, on-duty deaths from firearms became the leading cause of death for police officers for the first time, surpassing motor vehicle accidents. Of the officers who were shot, the vast majority died from gunshot wounds to the head. The second most common site of injury was the chest, followed by the neck/throat area. This fact indicates the potential dangers of using firearms in high-risk and high-pressure environments. Police officers and security forces must always be ready to protect themselves in the face of various threats, including armed attacks. However, it should be noted that the use of firearms comes with great responsibilities and should be done with great care and patience, on the other hand, it requires legal and judicial support in this regard. To reduce the risks associated with the use of firearms, proper training, and extensive training for officers is essential. Also, the use of advanced technologies such as closed-circuit cameras and smart security systems can help improve security and reduce risks.
The changing nature of police deaths in recent years and the significant number of assaults resulting in injuries highlight the need for specialized police medical care, emphasizing sound tactical decision-making and appropriate medical interventions during threats. Before medical attention is given, the scene must be carefully assessed to ensure the safety of all parties to the conflict. This includes assessing existing risks, understanding the environment, and identifying possible threats. The officer must be able to quickly make the correct tactical decisions and control the situation to prevent further incidents. Situational awareness must be maintained at all times. Actual or potential threats must be managed and casualties must be quickly categorized and prioritized in order of treatment. In most situations, casualty care should wait until the scene is safe. Also, the officer must have sufficient knowledge in prioritizing the injured and providing first aid. This includes diagnosing the condition of the injured, applying a combination of basic techniques including basic resuscitation, opening the airway, stopping bleeding, using a defibrillator and some drugs, etc. The officer must be able to provide medical care professionally and carefully to prevent the increase of risks and further threats.
The main task of police officers in facing critical and dangerous situations is to create security and maintain public order. These officers must have received the necessary training to manage emergency responses during a threat. Since these officers are exposed to various dangers, medical and emergency training is also very vital for them. When faced with emergencies, officers are forced to make sound tactical decisions. They must be able to accurately and quickly assess the situation and make appropriate decisions. These decisions can include contacting medics on the scene and at the command headquarters, moving the injured to safe places, or taking emergency measures to save the insured’s life.
The risk of conducting a rescue operation in the best possible way is a critical and complex issue that requires careful planning, professional preparation, and quick decisions. Emergency and crisis rescue is often presented as an opportunity to save the lives of people at risk. However, it should be noted that this operation is also associated with many risks that may be dangerous for rescuers and people needed for rescue. Among these risks, we can mention things like falling debris, explosions, terrorist attacks, etc. Therefore, careful planning and professional preparation are vital to managing these risks.
Also, the main situation that caused the initial injuries plays a very important role in the rescue. For example, in the event of an explosion, the first aid and rescue measures should be aimed at helping the injured and saving their lives. Therefore, correct and quick diagnosis of the main condition and its correct evaluation are of great importance. Assessment from the moment the first officer arrives on the scene is one of the most important steps in responding to incidents and emergency operations. From casualty triage to detailed analysis of the scene and identification of potential hazards, this assessment provides vital information that can affect the safety and health of those present at the scene. As one of the primary tools in scene assessment, casualty triage allows people to rank casualties based on the severity of their injuries and initial medical needs. This action allows emergency personnel to help the injured in the best possible way and optimize time by allocating their resources and abilities. Also, a detailed survey of the scene and identification of possible hazards provide more information about the environment and conditions of the scene.
By understanding the injury patterns associated with the types of injury to officers, it is possible to conduct a systematic search and more detailed investigation of the risks involved. This action allows emergency personnel to take the best possible action to deal with the dangers and safety of the victims by confirming the officer's first impression of the seriousness of the danger. An approach to accurate and appropriate assessment of the scene can be the preparation of a checklist for casualty assessment, which is especially critical for personnel who do not normally provide medical care. An accurate and quick assessment of the condition of an injured person can have a direct impact on the outcome and treatment. Depending on the level of training and experience of those responsible, different interventions may be needed to help the injured in the best possible way.
One of the important items in the casualty assessment checklist is to check the safety of the scene. Ensuring that the environment is safe and eliminating any danger to the victim is the first important step in assisting. Also, it should be checked whether the victim needs to be moved or not. Performing this operation correctly and keeping the safety of the victim is of great importance.
Immediately after assessing the safety of the scene and the need for evacuation, control of external bleeding is one of the critical items that should be included in the casualty assessment checklist. Also, controlling the Airway-Cervical Spine to maintain the victim's breathing and ensure his level of consciousness is also among the things that should be carefully checked. Next, the speed and quality of the victim's breathing, as well as the circulation are among the important things that should be taken into consideration in the casualty assessment checklist. Providing help to the injured in these areas can have a significant effect on improving his condition.
Therefore, due to the importance and sensitivity of the raised issue, appropriate training and individual preparation of police officers is very necessary to face this type of situation. These trainings should include practical exercises, case studies, knowledge of medical equipment, etc., so that officers can act in the best possible way in the face of medical incidents.
Given that officers may encounter scenes that require immediate action during an emergency, it is critical to have the appropriate knowledge and training. This knowledge and training will help them to take correct and basic actions to save the lives of injured people in the face of emergency incidents. These measures can be very critical before performing additional diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Also, sometimes it is considered as the first step necessary for the success of advanced measures, and it can also prevent the aggravation of injuries and the development of complications.
In addition, officers can play an important role in providing medical care to injured people when rescue forces are unable to enter the scene due to special circumstances. They can take the necessary first steps to prevent the injuries from worsening and ensure the survival of the injured person.
Currently, officers in many cases serve as first responders for the units they serve. This role is very vital and sensitive because these people have to make important decisions in stressful and high-pressure situations that may cause life or death [1]. A recent study found that in more than 80 percent of cases, police agencies responded to medical emergencies involving injured individuals, and approximately 50 percent of these groups provided some form of patient care at the scene. This shows that officers, in addition to their main duties, also pay attention to humanity and the importance of preserving people's health and lives [2]. Also, a more recent survey shows that 40 percent of officers in two major operational units have attended to the medical affairs of their colleagues before the arrival of emergency services. This shows that police officers can provide first aid and support in emergencies by knowing exactly the situations and immediate needs of people [3].
Due to the importance and sensitivity of this role, appropriate and updated training for officers is very necessary so that they can provide the best services to people in emergencies. Also, establishing coordination and cooperation between police officers and medical and relief teams is of great importance to obtain the best possible result for people in emergencies.
Medical interventions performed by first responders play a vital role in saving lives. These forces, including the police, who are present more than 50 percent of the time, can significantly improve response times to accidents and medical emergencies. According to the studies, the presence of the police before the emergency medical service units reduces the average response time from 7.6 minutes to 4.9 minutes [4]. Time plays a very important role in emergencies. The shorter the response time to an accident or medical emergency, the more likely it is to save people. Therefore, the presence of security forces, such as police, who have received basic medical training, can act as a bridge between the incident and emergency medical services and significantly improve emergency response times. Therefore, developing and strengthening programs and training related to the provision of medical interventions by police forces is one of the effective solutions to improve the medical emergency system and increase the rescue rate in the face of medical emergencies and accidents. Coordination and cooperation between security forces and emergency medical services will ensure improved response times and increased capabilities of medical interventions in emergencies, ultimately helping to save more lives.
On the other hand, in the last decade, police officers have faced serious challenges that have led to their deaths. Based on the information provided, we find that an average of 156 line-of-duty deaths are reported annually. These statistics show that police officers face real risks that threaten their lives and health [5]. Another worrying data is that an average of 54 officers are killed in the line of duty every year. These numbers show that police officers are facing serious risks that threaten their lives. Every 9 minutes an officer is attacked somewhere and every 33 minutes someone is injured. These statistics show that police officers are exposed to serious risks and need more attention and protection [6].
On the other hand, based on the data collected, the leading causes of death among police officers are motor vehicle accidents (unintentional trauma), gunshot wounds (intentional trauma), and work-related (medical) illnesses. These factors show that police officers face various risks that require protective and preventive programs to protect officers and their lives. In 2011, on-duty deaths from firearms became the leading cause of death for police officers for the first time, surpassing motor vehicle accidents. Of the officers who were shot, the vast majority died from gunshot wounds to the head. The second most common site of injury was the chest, followed by the neck/throat area. This fact indicates the potential dangers of using firearms in high-risk and high-pressure environments. Police officers and security forces must always be ready to protect themselves in the face of various threats, including armed attacks. However, it should be noted that the use of firearms comes with great responsibilities and should be done with great care and patience, on the other hand, it requires legal and judicial support in this regard. To reduce the risks associated with the use of firearms, proper training, and extensive training for officers is essential. Also, the use of advanced technologies such as closed-circuit cameras and smart security systems can help improve security and reduce risks.
The changing nature of police deaths in recent years and the significant number of assaults resulting in injuries highlight the need for specialized police medical care, emphasizing sound tactical decision-making and appropriate medical interventions during threats. Before medical attention is given, the scene must be carefully assessed to ensure the safety of all parties to the conflict. This includes assessing existing risks, understanding the environment, and identifying possible threats. The officer must be able to quickly make the correct tactical decisions and control the situation to prevent further incidents. Situational awareness must be maintained at all times. Actual or potential threats must be managed and casualties must be quickly categorized and prioritized in order of treatment. In most situations, casualty care should wait until the scene is safe. Also, the officer must have sufficient knowledge in prioritizing the injured and providing first aid. This includes diagnosing the condition of the injured, applying a combination of basic techniques including basic resuscitation, opening the airway, stopping bleeding, using a defibrillator and some drugs, etc. The officer must be able to provide medical care professionally and carefully to prevent the increase of risks and further threats.
The main task of police officers in facing critical and dangerous situations is to create security and maintain public order. These officers must have received the necessary training to manage emergency responses during a threat. Since these officers are exposed to various dangers, medical and emergency training is also very vital for them. When faced with emergencies, officers are forced to make sound tactical decisions. They must be able to accurately and quickly assess the situation and make appropriate decisions. These decisions can include contacting medics on the scene and at the command headquarters, moving the injured to safe places, or taking emergency measures to save the insured’s life.
The risk of conducting a rescue operation in the best possible way is a critical and complex issue that requires careful planning, professional preparation, and quick decisions. Emergency and crisis rescue is often presented as an opportunity to save the lives of people at risk. However, it should be noted that this operation is also associated with many risks that may be dangerous for rescuers and people needed for rescue. Among these risks, we can mention things like falling debris, explosions, terrorist attacks, etc. Therefore, careful planning and professional preparation are vital to managing these risks.
Also, the main situation that caused the initial injuries plays a very important role in the rescue. For example, in the event of an explosion, the first aid and rescue measures should be aimed at helping the injured and saving their lives. Therefore, correct and quick diagnosis of the main condition and its correct evaluation are of great importance. Assessment from the moment the first officer arrives on the scene is one of the most important steps in responding to incidents and emergency operations. From casualty triage to detailed analysis of the scene and identification of potential hazards, this assessment provides vital information that can affect the safety and health of those present at the scene. As one of the primary tools in scene assessment, casualty triage allows people to rank casualties based on the severity of their injuries and initial medical needs. This action allows emergency personnel to help the injured in the best possible way and optimize time by allocating their resources and abilities. Also, a detailed survey of the scene and identification of possible hazards provide more information about the environment and conditions of the scene.
By understanding the injury patterns associated with the types of injury to officers, it is possible to conduct a systematic search and more detailed investigation of the risks involved. This action allows emergency personnel to take the best possible action to deal with the dangers and safety of the victims by confirming the officer's first impression of the seriousness of the danger. An approach to accurate and appropriate assessment of the scene can be the preparation of a checklist for casualty assessment, which is especially critical for personnel who do not normally provide medical care. An accurate and quick assessment of the condition of an injured person can have a direct impact on the outcome and treatment. Depending on the level of training and experience of those responsible, different interventions may be needed to help the injured in the best possible way.
One of the important items in the casualty assessment checklist is to check the safety of the scene. Ensuring that the environment is safe and eliminating any danger to the victim is the first important step in assisting. Also, it should be checked whether the victim needs to be moved or not. Performing this operation correctly and keeping the safety of the victim is of great importance.
Immediately after assessing the safety of the scene and the need for evacuation, control of external bleeding is one of the critical items that should be included in the casualty assessment checklist. Also, controlling the Airway-Cervical Spine to maintain the victim's breathing and ensure his level of consciousness is also among the things that should be carefully checked. Next, the speed and quality of the victim's breathing, as well as the circulation are among the important things that should be taken into consideration in the casualty assessment checklist. Providing help to the injured in these areas can have a significant effect on improving his condition.
Therefore, due to the importance and sensitivity of the raised issue, appropriate training and individual preparation of police officers is very necessary to face this type of situation. These trainings should include practical exercises, case studies, knowledge of medical equipment, etc., so that officers can act in the best possible way in the face of medical incidents.
Article number: e26
Keywords: police officers
Article Type: Letter to Editor |
Subject:
Police Medicine Emergencies
Received: 2023/06/21 | Accepted: 2023/12/25 | Published: 2023/12/30
Received: 2023/06/21 | Accepted: 2023/12/25 | Published: 2023/12/30
References
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5. Breul N, Keith M. Deadly Calls and Fatal Encounters. Report, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. 2016.
6. Lachenmayer D. A Crime to Not Be Counted: An Examination & Exploration of the US Department of Justice's Data Collection Programs. Progress Lib. 2020;(47):31-50. https://www.proquest.com/openview/3c8a9521602a4f2d7c87f40ad4970e8a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=26759
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