I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to identify the roles and responsibilities of Saint Paul Police employees during incidents involving a medical emergency.
II. Policy
A medical emergency is an event affecting an individual in such a manner that there is a need for immediate medical care (physiological or psychological). The Saint Paul Fire Department is designated as the primary response agency for medical emergencies. The Saint Paul Fire Department is responsible for responding, treating, and transporting any person needing medical care.
In the course of their duties, when Saint Paul Police employees encounter a person experiencing a medical emergency, they will request the Saint Paul Fire Department respond. Police employees will render first-aid, consistent with their training, to persons experiencing a medical emergency until the arrival of the Saint Paul Fire Department.
Saint Paul Police employees should update the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center (RCECC) with pertinent medical information prior to Saint Paul Fire Department arrival. This allows Saint Paul Fire Department medical staff to better prepare as they respond to the incident.
Saint Paul Police employees should promptly relay relevant information to Saint Paul Fire personnel as they arrive at the incident. This would include any information about the suspected injury, illness, sickness, disorder, behaviors, and/or actions of the party needing treatment. This would also include information relayed to Saint Paul Police employees from family members, witnesses, passersby, or others with applicable information.
Saint Paul Police employees shall not make any suggestions or requests as to medical courses or action or treatment. The medical course of action must be solely and clearly determined by the medical personnel. Medical personnel include, but are not limited to, Saint Paul Fire employees or health care providers. This includes any request, or suggestions for administering a sedative drug or any sort of medical sedation.
Exceptions:
Saint Paul Police officers who come upon a sick or injured person in the course of their duties may transport to a medical facility only if the circumstances and good judgement dictate that waiting for Saint Paul Fire is not practical or in the best interest of the person needing care. Ref. SPPD Policy 409.06, 403.00, and 403.50
If an officer comes in contact with a sick or injured party being transported to a medical facility in a civilian vehicle, the officer should provide first-aid to the injured party. If treatment required is beyond the capabilities of the officers, the Saint Paul Fire Department should be requested. Because a civilian vehicle would not meet the statutory definition of an emergency vehicle, escorting of such vehicles is prohibited. This does not prohibit officers from transporting the injured party if the circumstances and good judgement dictate that waiting for Saint Paul Fire is not practical or in the best interest of the person needing care.
There are very limited circumstances that would allow a relative or friend to accompany a medical transport in a police vehicle. This would be limited to situations involving juveniles, sexual assaults, and persons in crisis and would only be applicable for incidents where there is a need to comfort the patient or de-escalate the situation. Officers must be able to articulate why this is essential and beneficial for the person needing care.
Revised April 24th, 2020