EMS Response To Taser Incidents

[x635 4,066]

Does any department have a policy in which, when there is a high likelihood a taser will be deployed, or if a taser is actually deployed, that it automatically generates an EMS ALS level response?

And, do the medics, once they get there, have standing orders?

[antiquefirelt 994]

As has been noted before, an automatic ALS response would indicate that the Taser induces a need for ALS, which is counter to the statistics. Our personnel did the EMS Taser training, up to being Tased and utilizing one, and our units are only dispatched when a probe is stuck or when other circumstances indicate the need for EMS ie: excited delirium, profuse bleeding other other injury requiring attention. I would think a city would open themselves up to liability by automatically dispatching ALS to every Taser incident if they allow Taser use. This would indicate they themselves aren't certain that it's less than lethal force.

[velcroMedic1987 330]

Neither Banksville or North White Plains are "towns". They are sections of North Castle.

I'm pretty sure we beat this topic up pretty thoroughly a while ago. You may try searching for that thread.

Personally, unless a suspect exhibits symptoms of something significant, there is really no reason for any EMS response for taser use. Lots of PD's let the cops remove the barbs at the precinct.

Deploying when there is a "high likelihood of taser deployment"? You would have to put an EMS unit with every PD unit. That's just silly.

[FFEMT150 214]

Here in Armonk, North Castle Police officers do not carry tasers, but do carry pepper spray. Therefore, it is never really an issue for us. This goes for the Town of Banksville and Town of North White Plains.

That may be true but the state police, county police and NYC DEP police that work in that area do carry them. Wouldn't hurt to have a plan just in case.

[STAT213 332]

NH has a TASER protocol. Standing orders for removal of barbs.

Also lists contra indications for removal.

Very straightforward protocol. Does rely on the police to call us, of course.

Viewable on our state EMS website.

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/fstems/ems/advlifesup/patientcare.html

As I've mentioned before, our protocols up here are the best I've worked with. Very forward thinking, evidence based where possible and provider driven. Worth a look.

[SRS131EMTFF 471]

NH has a TASER protocol. Standing orders for removal of barbs.

Also lists contra indications for removal.

Very straightforward protocol. Does rely on the police to call us, of course.

Viewable on our state EMS website.

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/fstems/ems/advlifesup/patientcare.html

As I've mentioned before, our protocols up here are the best I've worked with. Very forward thinking, evidence based where possible and provider driven. Worth a look.

VT EMS Standing Orders as of 1/1/14.

6.5 Taser (Conducted Electric Weapon) Probe Removal and Assessment

State and local law enforcement may use a conducted electrical weapon (CEW), also called a Taser. This device is a tool that can be deployed

in either a drive stun (sensory nervous system) or dart (sensory & motor nervous systems that causes neuro-muscular incapacitation) mode. In the dart mode, two probes with attached wires are discharged from the CEW. The probes are #8 straightened fish hooks that penetrate the suspect’s skin a maximum of ¼ inch. Each trigger pull discharges an electric charge for a 5-second cycle. The electric charge is high voltage (generally 12,000 volts) and low amperes (generally 0.0036 amp). Current medical literature does not support routine medical evaluation for an individual after a CEW application. In most circumstances probes can be removed by law enforcement without further EMS or other medical intervention.

EMT/ADVANCED EMT/PARAMEDIC STANDING ORDERS

EMS should be activated and transport the patient following CEW (conducted electrical weapon) application (i.e., Taser™) in the following circumstances:

The probe is embedded in the eye, genitals, or bone.

Seizure is witnessed after CEW application.

There is excessive bleeding from probe site after probe removal.

Cardiac arrest, complaints of chest pain, palpitations.

Respiratory distress.

Altered mental status.

Pregnancy.

Developmental or physical disability and unable to assess the above.

INDICATIONS FOR REMOVAL

Patient with uncomplicated conducted electrical weapon probes embedded subcutaneously in non-vulnerable areas of skin.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO REMOVAL

Patients with probe penetration in vulnerable areas of the body as mentioned below should be transported for further evaluation and probe removal.

Genitalia, female breast, or skin above level of clavicles.

Suspicion that probe might be embedded in bone, blood vessel, or other sensitive structure.

Any condition listed above that requires transport to the emergency department.

PROCEDURE

1. Ensure wires are disconnected from weapon.

2. Stabilize skin around probe using non-dominant hand.

3. Grasp probe by metal body using dominant hand.

4. Remove probe by pulling straight out in a single quick motion.

5. Insure that the probes and barbs are intact.

6. Removed probes should be handled and disposed of like contaminated sharps in a designated sharps container, unless requested as evidence by

police.

7. Cleanse wound and apply dressing.

8. If last tetanus immunization was greater than 5 years, advise the patient that they may need one.

9. Obtain a refusal of care for patients refusing transport.

http://healthvermont.gov/hc/ems/documents/FinalProtocolsfor2013Oct81600LOCKED_000.pdf

[Dinosaur 844]

True, the area that we cover also has DEP Police around for the reservoir.

You also have County, State, and even MTA police going through town.

[SRS131EMTFF 471]

You are incorrect about MTA police.

Sit on Rte 22, you will see MTA coming to MTK from NWP or Valhalla.

[Dinosaur 844]

You are incorrect about MTA police.

You're not seriously going to argue that the MTA police don't pass through the town of North Castle, are you? The TOWN is much bigger than Banksville or Armonk but that's not the point of this thread.

Guess what, junior, other police departments even drive through your town once in a while. Imagine that? Should they all check in with you when they do?

[comical115 32]

Look, junior. This is not the forum for arguing. Do it somewhere else.

"There was a time where we took a guy like you in the back and beat you with a hose, now you've got your goddamned unions..."

If you're as annoying in person as you are on this thread, a North Castle brother might just get an MTA officer to 85 with him and find out how Armonk's tazer policy really works...

Out of your league junior, keep moving.

[FFEMT150 214]

"This is a post for tazer policies not arguing. Junior, post somewhere else. End of discussion."

I don't see anyone arguing junior... Just stating observations. That being said, I think you may agree now that you have many police departments that operate in your area who are equipped with tasers and you may infact need a taser policy.

[Dinosaur 844]

Look, junior. This is not the forum for arguing. Do it somewhere else.

You're right, it's not. So why don't you stop?

[Bnechis 3,961]

You Hang Up....No you hang up 1st