طب انتظامی (Jan 2023)

The need to be prepared all police forces to perform basic rescue measures in case of emergency

  • Hadi Shirzad ,
  • Omid Shirzad,
  • Hamed Aghdam

DOI
https://doi.org/10.30505/12.1.26
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1

Abstract

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Police officers play an essential role in maintaining public safety and health. They are often the first people to arrive at the scene of various incidents. One of the things that officers should pay special attention to is incidents that cause serious personal injury. Given that officers may encounter scenes that require immediate action during an emergency, it is critical to have the appropriate knowledge and training. This knowledge and training will help them to take correct and basic actions to save the lives of injured people in the face of emergency incidents. These measures can be very critical before performing additional diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Also, sometimes it is considered as the first step necessary for the success of advanced measures, and it can also prevent the aggravation of injuries and the development of complications. In addition, officers can play an important role in providing medical care to injured people when rescue forces are unable to enter the scene due to special circumstances. They can take the necessary first steps to prevent the injuries from worsening and ensure the survival of the injured person. Currently, officers in many cases serve as first responders for the units they serve. This role is very vital and sensitive because these people have to make important decisions in stressful and high-pressure situations that may cause life or death [1]. A recent study found that in more than 80 percent of cases, police agencies responded to medical emergencies involving injured individuals, and approximately 50 percent of these groups provided some form of patient care at the scene. This shows that officers, in addition to their main duties, also pay attention to humanity and the importance of preserving people's health and lives [2]. Also, a more recent survey shows that 40 percent of officers in two major operational units have attended to the medical affairs of their colleagues before the arrival of emergency services. This shows that police officers can provide first aid and support in emergencies by knowing exactly the situations and immediate needs of people [3].