EXTRICATING THE BROTHERS IN BLUE
TRAINING NOTEBOOK
At some point in your career, especially if you are a member of a rescue company or an ambulance crew, you may be dispatched to the scene of an automobile accident involving a police vehicle. The accident may have occurred as a result of a high-speed pursuit or any of hundreds of other causes. The difference between this accident and any other is that it involves a police car and could present a host of unforeseen difficulties for the incident commander and other responders.
Primary concerns that could arise when commanding an accident involving police (or some other lawenforcement department) pertain to victim treatment and extrication, unique vehicle construction features, equipment carried in the vehicle and its trunk, weapons, and evidence that might be in the vehicle. In addition, incident command must address issues such as handling the media and police personnel on scene who are anxious about the welfare of their brother officers, as well as the personal feelings of the rescuers who may know the police officers/victims or who may have relatives on the police force.
Fire officers should request the immediate presence of police supervisors at an accident scene involving the police to forestall any related problems that might arise during the rescue operation, especially when prisoners, criminals, or weapons are present.
VICTIMS
As in any accident, the victims are of primary’ concern. Be aware, however, that some of the victims may be violent felons and may use the accident as a means to escape. The accident itself, in fact, may have been caused by a failed escape attempt. Responders rendering aid to a slightly injured prisoner may suddenly be taken hostage, seriously injured, or even killed. Whenever possible, police personnel should be on scene to frisk the patient/prisoner for any weapons, especially if restraints or handcuffs must be removed to give medical treatment. If no police officer is immediately available, take this precaution yourself. Have an officer stay with you during treatment and transport. and don’t leave anything lying around that can be used as a weapon. This may sound like common sense, but in the rush of an incident, a carelessly placed pair of scissors maybecome a prisoner’s ticket to escape.
If the victims are police officers, monitor yourself and your partners for any signs of emotional involvement. Many of us have family members on the police force, we mayknow the officers personally, or we ourselves may be police officers. If the rescuer’s emotional involvement begins to affect the operation, get hint her away from the scene. Be aware, too. that other police officers arriving at the scene, in their frustration, actually may interfere with the rescue operation although genuinely attempting to assist, l’ry to have a supervisor divert their efforts. Remember, some of them will be needed to assist with prisoners and other police-related duties. As can happen with any of us, frustration may lead them to say’ things they don’t mean. Ignore such comments and continue to act in a professional manner.
An unexpected problem may arise if the police officer/victim is a K-9 handler. The dog may take a protective stance over the officer, preventing rescuers from approaching. A conscious handler may be able to control the animal with voice commands; or, another handler, if available, may be of some help. If not, the animal may have to be tranquilized.
An injured dog is not any easier to handle. It may become vicious and attack those it considers a threat to itself or to the handler. Again, know ledge of local police operations will greatly assist in this situation.
A majority of police officers are wearing soft body armor —also known as bulletproof vests—which may protect the upper body from the blunt trauma associated with a motor vehicle accident. However, vests also will hinder medical personnel trying to make primary assessments of their victims. If it is necessary to remove the vest, cut the straps on the shoulders and sides. Remember, vests usually are worn under the uniform shirt. Even officers operating in plainclothes may be wearing vests.
WEAPONS
If the police officer/victim is armed, have another police officer or supervisor safeguard his/her weapons and shield. If no other police personnel arc immediately available, have a fire officer or chief safeguard them. It is best to leave the firearm bolstered; do not touch the trigger, hummer, or safety, if someone in your company has experience with weapons, have him/her perform whatever actions may be necessary. In the case of some automatic handguns, mishandling the weapon can lead to accidental discharge. Remove the officer’s gunbelt—with everything attached, if possible. Some officers may carry more than one weapon—check with the victim, the victim’s partner, or other police officers. In addition, mace or other equipment may be on the belt and may have to be safeguarded. Aeoid transporting any weapons in the ambulance, if possible. This will help head off any long-term problems, especially if a weapon becomes misplaced or is accidentally triggered.
(Photos by author.)
In many areas of the country, police vehicles are equipped with shotguns, rifles, or semiautomatic weapons. Again, if the weapons are at the accident seene, have other police officers safeguard them before treating the victims. If time is of the essence, work around the weapon(s), avoiding the trigger, safety, magazine, and bolt areas Keep out of the line of the barrel, and don t place anything in the end of the barrel While these weapons are safe, forces generated in an accident may damage the safeties or arm the weapon. (Rescuers may want to contact the local police department to develop guidelines for gun safety and handling, if necessary.) The best option, if available, is to let another officer safeguard the weapon. (This applies to accidents involving civilians who may be armed as well.)
VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION
At first glance the normal police car may look like any other factory-produced model. Many police departments, however—especially correctional facilities—may modify their vehicles with any number of items intended to keep the prisoner in the rear seat. All of these modifications, from the simplest to the most complex, will at the very least delayrescuers from reaching the victims in the rear seat.
One of the most common modifications is the disabling of rear-door locks and windows and removal of interior handles. In this case, breaking a side window or forcing the door provides the quickest access. Spreaders may be needed even if there is only minor damage to the door area. Being familiar with local department policies will make you aware of such vehicle changes.
Dividers. A variety of dividers, ranging from simple cage-type material to more complex steel and bulletproof glass structures, commonly is found in police vehicles (the latter also is found in taxi cabs). These structures severely limit access to a patient, who will have to be reached through the windows. In severe pin jobs, the divider serves to further entangle the victims, even those in the front seat. Some of these dividers may be attached to the vehicle at several points —including the B-post and roof—preventing rescuers from gaining access by removing the roof. Other dividers must be cut away before you can access the victim. Be familiar with the equipment used in your locale and develop a method for dealing with it ahead of time.
Restraints. Prisoners riding in the rear of the vehicle may be restrained by seat belts and leg restraints, or they may be handcuffed to the seat in some manner. Multiple prisoners may be handcuffed to each other. Before packaging and removal, be sure to check that any such restraints have been freed.
Other equipment. Radio consoles, weapons racks, and the like may interfere with displacement operations such as dashboard roils. These problems can be overcome with patience and skill.
HIDDEN HAZARDS
The trunk of a police car may hold flares, weapons, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, and other items that can present additional hazards for responders during an accident or fire. In some areas, police departments use propane-powered vehicles or alternate fuels such as gasohol. The hazards they represent could be anticipated if you were aware of their presence beforehand.
EVIDENCE
Safeguarding evidence that may be in the vehicle also must be a high priority for rescuers. Notify the police supervisor present immediately if you spot anything that can be considered as evidence. Do not handle it unless absolutely necessary. Let the police remove it. Mishandling evidence may damage any related investigation or legal proceeding and also could harm rescuers. Such evidence includes drugs, weapons, explosives, and other dangerous substances. Some types of evidence even may necessitate the response of a hazardous-materials team. Again, conferring with the police supervisor at the scene can prevent accidents or additional problems.
THE MEDIA
Newspaper, radio, and television reporters will converge en masse on such an accident scene. Direct their questions to your media relations personnel or the police. As in the case of any incident, avoid making comments that are subjective or could be misconstrued. This is not the place to display any rivalry (if any exists) — friendly or otherwise—between the fire and police departments. Some media members look for any sign of a “battle of the badges.”
A motor vehicle accident involving a police vehicle presents several additional problems for the incident commander. They, however, are surmountable when professionalism and cooperation are employed. As in the case of any emergency incident, the safety of personnel is paramount —a more challenging responsibility when dealing with weapons or prisoners— and the treatment of victims, regardless of which side of the law they are on, never should be compromised. Establishing communications before an incident occurs with local police and other law-enforcement agencies and identifying any vehicle modifications, equipment, or supplies that may affect the outcome of an emergency rescue operation will be of invaluable assistance to the incident commander and all rescuers should an incident occur.
