Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
431 Delano PD Policy Manual
Medical Aid and Response
431.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy recognizes that members often encounter persons in need of medical aid and
establishes a law enforcement response to such situations.
431.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Delano Police Department that all officers and other designated members be
trained to provide emergency medical aid and to facilitate an emergency medical response.
431.3 FIRST RESPONDING MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Whenever practicable, members should take appropriate steps to provide initial medical aid (e.g.,
first aid, CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)) in accordance with their training
and current certification levels. This should be done for those in need of immediate care and only
when the member can safely do so.
Prior to initiating medical aid, the member should contact the Dispatch Center and request
response by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as the member deems appropriate.
Members should follow universal precautions when providing medical aid, such as wearing gloves
and avoiding contact with bodily fluids, consistent with the Communicable Diseases Policy.
Members should use a barrier or bag device to perform rescue breathing.
When requesting EMS, the member should provide the Dispatch Center with information for relay
to EMS personnel in order to enable an appropriate response, including:
(a) The location where EMS is needed.
(b) The nature of the incident.
(c) Any known scene hazards.
(d) Information on the person in need of EMS, such as:
1. Signs and symptoms as observed by the member.
2. Changes in apparent condition.
3. Number of patients, sex, and age, if known.
4. Whether the person is conscious, breathing, and alert, or is believed to have
consumed drugs or alcohol.
5. Whether the person is showing signs or symptoms of excited delirium or other
agitated chaotic behavior.
Members should stabilize the scene whenever practicable while awaiting the arrival of EMS.
Members should not direct EMS personnel whether to transport the person for treatment.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Medical Aid and Response - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department