What factors do you need to consider when making the decision to transport a wounded officer in a patrol vehicle instead of waiting for EMS? Let’s turn to Sydney Vail, M.D., as he provides some insights.
Vail is a veteran trauma surgeon, former SWAT surgeon, and a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve serving with the 628th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment. He is also the former director and a deploying member of SWAT Tactical Medicine Program for the Arizona Department of Public Safety State SWAT Team.
He discusses the critical decision of transporting wounded officers to trauma centers. Vail emphasized the importance of time-sensitive injuries, particularly penetrating trauma, which require immediate access to a trauma room for the best outcomes.
He highlighted that officers should transport wounded colleagues to a trauma center, under the right circumstances, if they can arrive faster than an ambulance.
In this video, Vail also covers:
- When an officer is wounded and the situation allows, another officer should transport the officer to the hospital themselves, as it can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.
- Vail explains that if an officer cannot leave the scene due to ongoing danger, they should call 911 for immediate assistance.
- However, officers need to remember that EMS will not respond into an active scene, so moving a wounded officer in a patrol vehicle might be the faster way to get the injured to a trauma center.
- How officers should inform dispatch about the nature and severity of an officer's injuries to provide a heads-up to the trauma center. This communication can help the trauma center prepare for the officer's arrival and ensure they receive the necessary care promptly.
- How education and training are crucial for officers to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for their injured colleagues. Vail suggests reaching out to county sheriffs, state police, or other medical assets for training and education on handling injured officers.