01-03 Appendix A – Medical Advisory Notes Flashcards
Member Safety - When attending a scene where the risk of contact with blood or body fluids exists, members SHALL exercise
extreme caution and use universal precautions. These include, but are not limited to wearing of disposable examination gloves (nitrile), using waterless antiseptic wash or hand wipes, and using a disposable one–way air valve for mouth to mouth respiration.
Member Safety - _________ is the most important infection control measure for the prevention of self and cross contamination. (See Procedures 08–06 and 08–07 (both NIP) for further information regarding decontamination.)
Hand washing
Member Safety - Where it is suspected or known that a person is a carrier of an air–borne transmitted disease such as tuberculosis members
SHALL when at a police station, place the person in an area where adequate ventilation exists. Members SHALL not place a person suspected or known to have tuberculosis or other air–borne transmitted communicable diseases in areas with little or no ventilation, such as interview rooms
should wear surgical masks when in close contact with the person and when transporting the person to a police station or other location. Where possible, the infected person should also be asked to wear a surgical mask when in close contact with other individuals. If surgical masks are not available or the infected person refuses to wear a mask, members SHALL transport the person as the sole occupant of a compartment of a prisoner transport vehicle, or, if not available, with a window of the police vehicle open.
Prisoner Safety - During the booking process, the _______is required to evaluate the mental and physical condition of the individual.
Officer in Charge
Prisoner Safety - As part of that evaluation, it is incumbent upon the _________to be aware of any medication or drug the prisoner has taken prior to arrest (legal, prescription or otherwise). Based on the information received, the ___________ should make further inquiries regarding the type of drug, time and amount taken, whether the individual is a frequent user, and the physical state of the individual.
Officer in Charge
Prisoner Safety - The decision as to whether to send an individual to the hospital should be made based on the __________assessment of the circumstances.
Officer in Charge’s
Prisoner Safety - Who SHALL inform prisoners of the risk of not disclosing the consumption of prescribed or non– prescribed substances?
The Officer in Charge
Prisoner Safety - Where a prisoner appears ill, shows symptoms of distress or adverse reaction, or reports any of these symptoms, as a result of drug use, or for any other reason, _______SHALL be sought and/or the prisoner SHALL be ________
further medical advice, transported to the hospital for a medical examination
Prisoner Safety - Officers should consider the possibility that an illness may be ________ and be mindful that, under certain circumstances, a prisoner may have unknowingly consumed a _____
drug related, drug. [e.g. GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate) slipped in a drink]
Prisoner Safety - Where a prisoner has, or is suspected of having taken a drug or other controlled substance prior to arrest but shows no outward signs or symptoms of distress or adverse reaction, _________ SHALL make further inquiries in order to determine whether further medical treatment is required.
the Officer in Charge
Prisoner Safety - When considering the need for further medical attention, the Officer in Charge should be cognisant of some circumstances which may impact on the health of the individual
where a drug that is not designed to be swallowed has been swallowed by an individual (i.e. for the purpose of concealing or transporting), or held in the mouth in such a way that the drug is exposed (e.g. no wrapper, or damaged wrapper)
where the individual cannot, declines or fails to recall what substances (whether prescribed or non– prescribed), quantity, or when the substances were taken
where the quantity of drugs taken suggests a possible overdose (i.e. more than prescribed)
where any drug has been taken in conjunction with alcohol
where the individual is acting irrationally or aggressively, appears ill, is complaining of pains, nausea, etc.,
or reports feeling differently than other times when they have taken the same drug
where cocaine has been used by the person, and the person has had to be physically restrained, or has
exerted themself physically (e.g. foot pursuit, struggle, etc.)
where the prisoner exhibits an unexplained change in behaviour (e.g. becomes aggressive, lethargic,
sleepy, etc.)
Prisoner Safety - The following services are available at no cost to assist the Officer in Charge in making a determination as to whether a prisoner is in need of further medical treatment. These services may be used where the Officer in Charge requires further information (e.g. effects of drug interaction) to complete their assessment of the individual
Telehealth Ontario (1–866–797–0000, TTY 1–866–797–0007) – provides quick easy access to a qualified health professional (registered nurse) who can assess the symptoms of the prisoner and offer advice as to whether the individual is in need of immediate hospital care. Depending on the number of people making use of this service, a representative may have to return your call. When leaving a message, for faster service, ensure you identify yourself as a police officer seeking advice regarding a prisoner who has taken a drug prior to arrest.
Ontario Regional Poison Information Centre – SickKids Hospital (416–813–5900 or 1–800–268–9017, TTY 416–597–0215 or 1–877–750–2233) – can provide information regarding drug interactions, and potential overdose information. If the concern to be addressed deals only with an interaction or potential overdose, call this service directly; otherwise contact Telehealth Ontario first.
Prisoner Safety - When there is a delay in receiving the required information from the above mentioned services, the prisoner SHALL be …
continuously monitored until the information requested is received and the Officer in Charge has made a final determination whether to accept the individual at the police facility.
Prisoner Safety - Any person who has or is suspected of having taken a drug prior to being arrested, and is accepted at a police facility SHALL be
monitored more closely, and the results of those checks recorded, until such time as the Officer in Charge is satisfied that the individual is not at risk.
Prisoner Safety - Individuals who have taken hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, etc., SHALL be
monitored more closely for at least three (3) hours from the time when the drug was taken.
Prisoner Safety - If at any time, the prisoner’s condition changes, or there is a concern regarding the health of the person, members SHALL notify
the Officer in Charge who SHALL re–evaluate their condition.
Prisoner Safety - Individuals with violent or suicidal tendencies SHALL be
lodged in a separate cell whenever practicable and their behaviour closely monitored.
Prisoner Safety - Prisoners housed in divisional cells or lock–ups should be placed
opposite each other where possible. This can provide an opportunity for one prisoner to give early warning of illness, suicide, or self–injury involving another prisoner.
Prisoner Safety - If a prisoner becomes unconscious, or is in distress from illness, injury, intoxication, or reaction to drugs, the person SHALL be
removed to the nearest hospital for examination and treatment. Under no circumstances will an unconscious person be admitted to a police cell or lock–up.
Prisoner Safety - Unexpected deaths of intoxicated individuals may occur as a result of a condition called________The consumption of alcohol or alcohol in combination with central nervous system depressants (e.g. narcotics, barbiturates, etc.) can frequently produce a deep sleep accompanied by loud snoring.
obstructive sleep apnea.
Prisoner Safety - Snoring is not an indicator of ________ It indicates only that a person is _______ Individuals who are intoxicated or who exhibit very loud or disrupted snoring must be _______________
consciousness. breathing, closely monitored and awakened frequently in order to determine if their state of sobriety is improving over time.
