Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 5 Special Considerations / Operations Second Edition Chapter 12 Crime Scene Awareness

Figure 12-1 Never approach the scene until you have been advised that the scene is secure. Remember, even if a scene has been declared secure, violence may still erupt. (©Craig Jackson/In the Dark Photography) Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-2 Approach potentially unstable scenes single file along an unconventional path. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-3 Hold a flashlight to the side of your body, not in front of it. Armed assailants usually aim at the light. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-4 Stand to the side of the door when knocking. Do not stand directly in front of a door or window, making yourself an unwitting target. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-5 Substances abused and sold come in all forms. Some of the most commonly prescribed substances sold or used on the streets are shown here. Persons that abuse or deal in drugs may exhibit violent behavior. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-6 A patient’s stance and position can indicate a potential for violence. If you suspect such a situation, put your own personal safety first. Retreat and request police backup. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-7a Concealing yourself is placing your body behind an object that can hide you from view. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-7b Taking cover is finding a position that both hides you and protects your body from projectiles. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-8 Over the past few years, an increasing number of EMS providers have started wearing body armor (bulletproof vests) while on duty. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 12-9 Police can remain at the scene of a crime for days, methodically searching for evidence. An EMS crew has a “platinum 10 minutes” at the scene. During that time, they must protect themselves, treat the patient, and preserve potential evidence, if at all possible. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.