Med Legal And Sociology Week 8 Flashcards
What is knowing and being in turned into what is going on around you
Situational awareness
Warning signs should be alerted especially if call details are received as:
“ injury due to an assault, dispute or intoxication”
Methamphetamine labs are dangerous to paramedics as they are:
- highly inflammable chemicals
- toxic chemical
- booby traps
Gangs operate on their own three Rs what are those
Reputation
Respect
Retaliation
For a potential crime scene how to approach a vehicle
- remain a safe distance away
- minimum of 6 m behind the stopped vehicle
- 10 degree angle to the drivers side facing the shoulder and wheels turned to the left
- proceed to the rear passenger side trunk area
When approaching a van / potential crime scene, how to approach?
-Remain clear of the side door, away from the passenger side at 44 degree angle
- be mindful of the licence plate
- when it is dark use high beams and spotlights if nevessary
How to approach a residence?
- when entering through the front door, stand to doorknob slightly to the right or left of the door never directly in front
- always announce yourselves to the patient and state “paramedics entering “
- identify primary/secondary egress in your environment
- scan room for weapons or any potential hazards/dangers
- backlighting should be used to position oneself between the ambulance lights and residence
This is something that will likely stop projectiles such as bullets, it is physical shelter or protection
Cover
This is something that may hide and prevent professionals from being seen and however easily penetrated such as tall grass
Concealment
Violent aggressive patient standard
1: consider underlying organic disorders
2: give particular attention to personal safety and request police assistance on scene
3: wait for police assistance if:
a: there is an active shooter scenario
b: there is direct evidence of ongoing violence
4: if electing to delay service immediately notify CACC/ACS
6: if the patient is uncooperative, get information from others on scene , attempt to determine
a: if illness, injury or alcohol/ drug ingestion has triggered the present behaviour
b: whether there is a previous history of violence
7: be alert for behavioural signs of impending violence
8: if confronted, seek a safe egress and attempt to withdraw
9: if a safe withdrawal is feasible, attempt to speak with and calm the patient
10: consider need for reatraints
Paramedic and self defense, always you this stance ?
Interview stance
In an unexpected attack, what do you do?
If someone grabs your wrist?
If someone grabs the front of your shirt?
Wrist - jerk your forearm against their thumb
Shirt - twist their hand toward the thumb
This refers to the documented and unbroken handling of physical evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court.
Continuity
This refers to whether evidence can be legally used in court based on rules of evidence
Admissibility of evidence
How can a paramedic keep the continuity or admissibility of evidence in a crime scene?
- documentation
- be careful on scene
- touch only what is required and wear gloves
- follow law enforcement direction
- limit the number of paramedics entering the scene
Two types of evidence
1: testimonial evidence : is a statement made under oath. You can be called to court to provide testimonial evidence
2: physical evidence: can be any item that comes from a non living origin or biological evidence from a living being eg: fingerprints, tire marks, footprints, fingers, paint, building material or DNA
Radio codes used to contact police
10-200 - no immediate danger
10-2000. - immediately danger
In suspected foul play, every effort should be made to leave the scene ………….. and to preserve as much …………. as possible for the police
Undisturbed
Evidence
Once the body is moved can it be put back In its original position?
No it can never be put back
Incase of hanging, the following special precautions should be taken
- observe the position of the rope around the neck
- rope should be cut only if cannot be readily slipped off and in such a way that the knot will be preserved
If a patient has reported to be sexually assaulted, the paramedic shall
1: ensure the patient is not left alone
2: if the patient is a child, follow the child in protection standard
3: if police not on scene, offer to contact police
4: upon police request, bag the stretcher linen, dressings and other materials in contact with the patient and leave with the attending police officer
If the patient declines to report the incident to the police, it is helpful to discuss options like?
Sexual assault crisis center and be able to provide phone number
Can the patient wash urinatebor defecate after asexual assault?
Advise the patient not until an examination is conducted at the receiving facility
ways to preserve evidence
Don’t move stuff unless it’s needed for patient care.
Avoid walking through blood, glass, or other evidence.
Don’t touch weapons or shell casings.
Note anything unusual and tell law enforcement.
Keep others out of the area unless they need to be there.
Document what you saw and what you had to move (if anything).
