Handling Injuries & Illnesses

Policy & Procedures                 No. 3.04
                                  Subject:
                Handling Injuries/Illnesses
                                  Issuing Authority:                                       Effective Date:   Review Date:
                     Chief of Police                       10/01/09     04/07/2023
                                                                                 References:

 Review
 Revision   01/12/14
 Reissued   12/13/16
 Dates:     12/20/2019

CALEA STANDARDS  1.1.5 70.3.1  70.3.2  72.6.1

             GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES

Due to the nature of police work, officers will often be the first responders to incidents involving
injury or illnesses to community members.  It is important that officers be well aware of the
procedures to follow in such situations, especially when the person injured or ill is a detainee.
Officers are required to provide the proper medical aid for any injuries they encounter. 1.1.5

Definition: 1.1.5
Proper medical aid – Is defined as immediate first aid treatment, including CPR, administered
on the scene of an incident/injury within the scope of agency personnel’s training. Additionally,
medical aid includes the summoning of emergency medical services to assist in any condition or
treatment that may escalate outside of the scope of the capabilities of the officer/agency
employee, providing immediate first aid, or requiring transportation to a medical facility based
on the condition of the person receiving aid.

Proper medical aid may include the following:
   •  increased observation of a person to detect obvious changes in their condition,
   •   the flushing of chemical agents from the eyes of an affected person,
   •  applying first aid within the scope and training of the officer/agency employee for any
       obvious severe injuries or unconsciousness,
   •   evaluation by an emergency medical technician or paramedic.
   •  or for more serious or life-threatening incidents, immediate aid by medical professionals
       including transport to a medical facility.

Following any law enforcement action, proper medical aid will be rendered as quickly as
reasonably possible. This includes incidents or circumstances in which injuries have been
sustained.

       Canton Police Department’s Handling Injures/Illnesses Policy            Page 1

Proper medical aid will be provided when an officer is on a call for service, or during the
detention or arrest of a person, and:
   •  There is obvious severe injury to a person(s)
   • A person is in medical distress. i.e., unable to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, etc.
   • A person is unresponsive or unconscious.

The purpose of this directive is to ensure that the department members recognize and take
immediate action on all medical emergencies. It applies whether a weapon is involved or not and
for all aid necessary due to police or law enforcement action(s). e.g., injuries resulting from an
apprehension, an OUI suspect in distress because of their intoxication or impairment, a detainee
who is injured, including self-inflicted injuries while in the detention or holding facility areas of
the department, etc. 1.1.5

Once individuals are placed in police custody, the department is responsible for their wellbeing
and can be held liable should an injury or illness go unnoticed and untreated. 72.6.1

                             POLICY

     I. VICTIMS AND BYSTANDERS:
         Responding officers shall provide immediate medical attention to all sick or injured
           individuals and should request the services of the Canton Fire Department (CFD)
         Ambulance when appropriate.

            A.  It is the policy of the Canton Police Department NOT to transport injured
                 persons in a police cruiser.  If the individual’s medical condition could be
                  jeopardized by delay in awaiting the arrival of the ambulance, the Shift
                 Supervisor shall be notified for approval to transport. The Shift Supervisor or
                   his/her designee will communicate directly with CFD to coordinate a patient
                    transfer as soon as possible.

             B. Bystanders: When officers respond to an emergency scene, their primary
                 duty is to take steps to control the situation and render medical assistance to
                any injured party as soon as it is safe to do so.

             C. Traffic Accident: After taking immediate precautionary measures to ensure
                    that the accident scene is safe and protected, the officer’s primary duty is to
                  give prompt attention to the needs of any injured persons.  If there is bodily
                    injury, the CFD ambulance will be requested.

                Note: Avoid moving injured persons unless necessary in order to prevent
                   further injury.

            D. Domestic Violence Victims: Officers are authorized by M.G.L.c.209A to
                   transport victims of domestic violence to the hospital. The preferred method
                however, is by ambulance. Officers should receive approval from their
                  supervisor prior to transporting victims via cruiser as outlined in section IA.
                       If the victim is not seriously injured or declines transportation by the
                ambulance, s/he may seek transportation through his/her own means.

       Canton Police Department’s Handling Injures/Illnesses Policy            Page 2

II. DETAINEES
         A.  If a detainee is sick or injured prior to, during or after custody and/or
              booking, or they request medical attention, immediate medical aid shall be
              provided and the services of the Canton Fire Department Ambulance should
             be requested when appropriate. An officer shall accompany the detainee in
               the ambulance and shall closely monitor the detainee during his/her treatment,
             examination or admission. 1.1.5; 70.3.1 (2A,B)(3); 70.3.2 (2A,B); 71.3.3;
              72.6.1

          B. Whenever a detainee is admitted to the hospital, the Canton Police
             Department will be responsible for providing 24-hour security coverage. Any
                officer assigned to guard a detainee admitted to the hospital shall: 70.3.2 (3B)

                1.  Ensure continued use of restraints if necessary and approved by hospital
                      staff. If restraints must be removed, caution should be used while the
                  detainee is unfettered. Only under unusual circumstances will the detainee
                be allowed out of the guarding officer’s sight. 70.3.2(3A)

                2.  Monitor all meals and inspect all utensils before and after each meal to
                 ensure the detainee is not able to take possession of any item(s) that could
                be used as a weapon or as a means of escape; 70.3.2 (3G)

                3.  Monitor all personal contacts with the detainee; 70.3.2 (3C)

                4.  Prohibit visitor access, including all telephone calls, with the exception of
                  those received from the detainee’s attorney; 70.3.2 (3D,E,F)

                5.  Avoid fraternization with the detainee at any time;

                6.  Record any unusual occurrences; and

                7. When released from treatment, the detainee’s condition should be
                   carefully recorded. All instructions for future treatment and medication
                 should be obtained in writing and signed by the attending physician.
                 Before transporting, the detainee should be searched and restrained if
                 needed.

                8.  Carry out any other duties/responsibilities assigned by a supervisor.

          C. In cases of injury to detainees or suspects, officers shall be responsible to
              ensure that appropriate medical aid is provided to the injured subject at the
                 earliest possible opportunity in accordance with the above procedures. 1.3.5

                1. The Shift Supervisor shall be notified of all injuries incurred as either an
                    indirect or a direct result of the use of force in an arrest situation.

                2.  In addition to the ‘Use of Force Policy’, refer to the Policy and Procedures
                  ‘Taser’ and ‘Use of OC’ for additional administrative and reporting
                 procedures in use of force situations.

    Canton Police Department’s Handling Injures/Illnesses Policy            Page 3

D.  If a juvenile in police custody needs medical attention, the Shift Supervisor
          shall ensure that s/he is provided with such attention in accordance with the
         preceding procedures. The Shift Supervisor shall also make reasonable
         attempts to see that the parent/guardian of said child is notified of the medical
        problem as soon as possible. S/he shall also see that documentation (log
          entry) is made of the medical problem, the action taken relative to the
        problem, and the notification to the parent/guardian. 72.6.1

Canton Police Department’s Handling Injures/Illnesses Policy            Page 4