It is typical in most fire departments to await the arrival of the police prior to entering dangerous or violent emergency medical incidents. This policy, also adhered to by private ambulance companies, is under fire in Oakland, California. Some in the community are questioning the Oakland Fire Department Engine Company’s actions as they staged down the street awaiting the police as an Oakland man lay dying in an intersection after being shot. Although crews arrived at the victim’s side within 10 minutes, the man died of his injuries from the shooting. A recent study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, E.M.S. worker fatality rate is comperable to that of police officers.
For more on the debate in Oakland, click here
