When Do Firefighters and Paramedics Need Police at a Medical Emergency?

It's true; police do far more than arrest people. They handle a myriad of other crucial tasks, from crowd and traffic control to securing scene valuables and ensuring overall safety. However, a common question arises: do firefighters and paramedics need police to arrive at a medical emergency specifically looking for an arrest?

Well, let's be clear about one thing: your primary concern in a medical emergency is not the legal status of a patient. Your main focus is on providing the best possible care and ensuring their safety. But this doesn't mean that police presence is unnecessary. In certain situations, their involvement can be both beneficial and critical for maintaining scene integrity and clearing potential legal or safety concerns.

Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities

In many rural areas, like the one I live in, where the population is around 45,000 residents scattered across vast farm land, the local law enforcement often plays a supportive role. They are typically nearby and can help out by doing tasks like moving stretchers, lifting patients, and even providing medical supplies. They also carry AEDs and oxygen, which can provide early indications of a patient's condition.

When you have a typical EMS call, you want to secure the scene to protect both the patient and other personnel from potential dangers. This can range from crowd control to ensuring all valuable items are secure, such as wallets and credit cards. Without proper scene control, your main focus—providing medical care—can be compromised.

The Role of Law Enforcement in Medical Emergencies

Lets address the specific withdrawal of the need for police in medical emergencies. In many cases, especially in non-communicable emergency scenarios, the police are not necessary unless your safety is genuinely in question. Your primary role is not to arrest someone, but to provide medical assistance. However, informing the police of any criminal activity (e.g., theft, violence) can be beneficial for overall public safety.

Typically, the police are the first to arrive at the scene because their duty is to ensure the safety of everyone present. If there is any indication of criminal activity, or if it's a violent situation, the police will be necessary to handle these matters. In non-violent scenarios, however, their presence can be helpful in stabilizing the situation and allowing the EMS crew to focus on the patient.

Rural Scenarios and Law Enforcement Support

In rural areas, where resources can be scarce, the collaboration between emergency services and law enforcement is particularly valuable. For instance, in my experience, the rural deputies often stop by if they are nearby and idle, to assist by moving stretchers, lifting patients, and using their emergency supplies. Their involvement can mean the difference between a successful rescue operation and a chaotic, dangerous scene.

However, this does not mean that the police should be expected to intervene in every situation. If the primary concern is the patient's well-being and ensuring a safe environment for medical care, then the police should not be the primary focus. Rather, their support is sought when necessary, such as in cases of criminal behavior or if the patient presents a legal concern.

Conclusion

In summary, while police presence is not always necessary in all medical emergencies, their support can be incredibly valuable in providing a safe and stable environment for both the EMS crew and the patient. In non-violent, non-criminal scenarios, the primary responsibility of the police should be to ensure the safety of the scene and assist as needed. If your safety is genuinely in question, then the police should be involved, but for the vast majority of medical emergencies, your focus should remain on providing the best possible medical care.