Effective: 06-22-20
Supersedes: OP 122, OP 131
Purpose: To provide guidelines for recognizing a potential crime scene, and actions to be taken to minimize potential disruption of the scene
Policy: The primary responsibility of EMS personnel at the scene of a crime is to provide emergency medical care to persons who require such care.
1. All members are expected to utilize good judgment in the recognition of, and subsequent operation at known or suspected crime scenes. If not already on scene, the police should be requested to respond to any known or suspected crime scene. Any location in which a deceased person is found is to be considered a crime scene until otherwise designated by law enforcement.
2. After evaluating the scene for personal hazards, the rendering of immediate patient care and transportation is the primary responsibility of EMS personnel. Patient care should not be compromised in order to protect a crime scene or evidence. However, patient care should be rendered with as little disruption to potential evidence as possible. Do not touch, move, or relocate any item at the scene unless it is absolutely necessary to provide treatment to the patient. If moved, mark the location of the item(s) and notify the police.
3. Observe and note anything unusual, especially if the evidence may not be present when the police arrive; including smoke or odors detected.
4. Upon arrival of the police, give them any information you have and let them know where you can be reached in the event, they need to speak with you at a later date.
5. After establishing a presumptive diagnosis of death, personnel should refrain from otherwise moving or disturbing the body. At no time should EMS personnel unnecessarily examine or move crash debris, shell casings, suicide notes, or any other physical evidence. In addition, no obviously dead victim of a hanging should be cut down, nor any bound body be untied, following the determination of death. Refrain from covering a dead body at a potential crime scene, except in cases of public view.
6. All members operating at a potential crime scene should consider the entire location (apartment, park, etc) as being involved in the crime scene. EMS personnel should refrain from smoking, eating, or drinking at a crime scene and shall not use a sink, toilet, or other conveniences.
7. In the absence of a law enforcement agency, Brewster Ambulance personnel should attempt to limit the number of personnel entering the scene to those necessary to treating and/or removing the patient(s). Attempt to limit the access of bystanders, family members and witnesses. EMS personnel should not restrain, eject, or otherwise physically restrict the movements of anyone at the scene, but should be aware that allowing unnecessary persons into the scene may impede the investigation of the crime.
8. Upon arrival of the police, give them any information you have and let them know where you can be reached in the event, they need to speak with you at a later date.
Patients in Police Custody
While transporting a patient in the custody of a law enforcement agency, the agency must provide an appropriate agent/officer to accompany the patient. Under no circumstance will a patient who is handcuffed be transported in a prone position. The patient may only be transported in one of the following positions:
· Supine
· In a left lateral recumbent position
· In a full or semi-fowlers position