Immediate Medical Care Rendered by US Law Enforcement Officers after Officer-Involved Shootings - An Open-Access Public Domain Video Analysis.

BACKGROUND: After officer-involved shootings (OIS), rapid delivery of emergency medical care is critical but may be delayed due to scene safety concerns. The purpose of this study was to describe medical care rendered by law enforcement officers (LEOs) after lethal force incidents. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of open-source video footage of OIS occurring from February 15, 2013 through December 31, 2020. Frequency and nature of care provided, time until LEO and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) care, and mortality outcomes were evaluated. The study was deemed exempt by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-two (342) videos were included in the final analysis; LEOs rendered care in 172 (50.3%) incidents. Average elapsed time from time-of-injury (TOI) to LEO-provided care was 155.8 (SD = 198.8) seconds. Hemorrhage control was the most common intervention performed. An average of 214.2 seconds elapsed between LEO care and EMS arrival. No mortality difference was identified between LEO versus EMS care (P = .1631). Subjects with truncal wounds were more likely to die than those with extremity wounds (P < .00001). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that LEOs rendered medical care in one-half of all OIS incidents, initiating care on average 3.5 minutes prior to EMS arrival. Although no significant mortality difference was noted for LEO versus EMS care, this finding must be interpreted cautiously, as specific interventions, such as extremity hemorrhage control, may have impacted select patients. Future studies are needed to determine optimal LEO care for these patients.

Precise Limb Tourniquet Arterial Occlusion Pressure Determination using Real-Time Ultrasonography and a Capacitive-Based Force Sensor.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage control prior to shock onset is increasingly recognized as a time-critical intervention. Although tourniquets (TQs) have been demonstrated to save lives, less is known about the physiologic parameters underlying successful TQ application beyond palpation of distal pulses. The current study directly visualized distal arterial occlusion via ultrasonography and measured associated pressure and contact force. METHODS: Fifteen tactical officers participated as live models for the study. Arterial occlusion was performed using a standard adult blood pressure (BP) cuff and a Combat Application Tourniquet Generation 7 (CAT7) TQ, applied sequentially to the left mid-bicep. Arterial flow cessation was determined by radial artery palpation and brachial artery pulsed wave doppler ultrasound (US) evaluation. Steady state maximal generated force was measured using a thin-film force sensor. RESULTS: The mean (95% CI) systolic blood pressure (SBP) required to occlude palpable distal pulse was 112.9mmHg (109-117); contact force was 23.8N [Newton] (22.0-25.6). Arterial flow was visible via US in 100% of subjects despite lack of palpable pulse. The mean (95% CI) SBP and contact force to eliminate US flow were 132mmHg (127-137) and 27.7N (25.1-30.3). The mean (95% CI) number of windlass turns to eliminate a palpable pulse was 1.3 (1.0-1.6) while 1.6 (1.2-1.9) turns were required to eliminate US flow. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of distal radial pulse does not indicate lack of arterial flow distal to upper extremity TQ. On average, an additional one-quarter windlass turn was required to eliminate distal flow. Blood pressure and force measurements derived in this study may provide data to guide future TQ designs and inexpensive, physiologically accurate TQ training models.

It's Time to Talk to Prehospital Providers: Feedback Disparities among Ground-Based Emergency Medical Services Providers and its Impact on Job Satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: Performance feedback on clinical care and patient outcomes is a cornerstone of medical education, yet it remains lacking in the prehospital environment. Research seeking to establish the quantity of feedback provided to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been limited and studies focused on complimentary feedback or how feedback relates to EMS job satisfaction are lacking. The objectives of this study were to measure the frequency and nature of feedback received by EMS agencies and to identify the importance of receiving feedback as it relates to EMS job satisfaction. METHODS: This was an anonymous, survey-based study of twenty-nine Basic Life Support (BLS) and fifteen Advanced Life Support (ALS) agencies located in Southeastern Minnesota (USA). Descriptive statistics and Fisher exact tests were used. The study was deemed exempt by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Ninety-four responses were included from nineteen different EMS agencies, including sixty-one (64.9%) paramedics and thirty-three (35.1%) emergency medical technicians (EMTs). One-half of all respondents reported that they had not received any type of feedback in the past 30 days, while another 43.6% of respondents indicated that they had only received feedback one to three times in the same time period. Twenty (60.6%) EMTs reported receiving no feedback in the past 30 days, compared with twenty-seven (44.3%) paramedics (P = .123). Of respondents receiving feedback, 65.9% reported never or rarely receiving positive reinforcing feedback and 60.6% reported never or rarely receiving constructive criticism or feedback regarding something that did not go well with patient care or transport. The majority of respondents were dissatisfied with the quantity (86.1%) and quality (73.4%) of feedback received. An overwhelming majority (93.6%) indicated that feedback on patient care or outcomes was important in influencing their overall job satisfaction. This high importance was maintained across all demographic groups. CONCLUSION: Within the cohort of survey respondents, a paucity of feedback received by EMS personnel is a source of dissatisfaction for EMS providers. Feedback on patient care strongly relates to overall job satisfaction. These findings suggest system-wide opportunities for structured feedback processes, focusing upon both quality and quantity of delivered feedback, to improve both patient care and staff satisfaction.

Use of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in the Transport of Patients With Known or Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Limited information exists regarding the response of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) programs to patients with known or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to determine changes in flight operations during the early stages of the pandemic. METHODS: A survey of the American College of Emergency Physicians Air Medical Section was conducted between May 13, 2020, and August 1, 2020. COVID-19 prevalence was defined as high versus low based on cases > 2,500 or ≤ 2,500. RESULTS: Of the 48 respondents, the majority (89.6%) reported that their patient guidelines had changed because of COVID-19; 89.6% of programs reported transporting COVID-19-positive patients, whereas 91.5% reported transporting persons under investigation. The majority of respondents reported additional training in COVID-19 airway management (79.2%) and personal protective equipment use (93.6%). Permitted aerosol-generating procedures included bilevel positive airway pressure (40.4%) and high-flow nasal oxygen (66.0%). No difference in guideline changes, positive COVID-19/persons under investigation transport restrictions, or permitted aerosol-generating procedures were noted between high- and low-prevalence settings. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has resulted in changes to HEMS guidelines regardless of local disease prevalence. The pandemic has persisted sufficiently long that data regarding the effectiveness of guideline changes should be analyzed. In the absence of definitive data, national best practices should be developed to guide COVID-19 HEMS transport.

Prevalence of COVID-19 IgG Antibodies in a Cohort of Municipal First Responders.

BACKGROUND: Although first responders (FRs) represent a high-risk group for exposure, little information is available regarding their risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The purpose of the current study was to determine the serological prevalence of past COVID-19 infection in a cohort of municipal law enforcement (LE) and firefighters (FFs). METHODS: Descriptive analysis of a de-identified data reporting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG), or COR2G, serology results for municipal FRs. As part of the serology process, FRs were surveyed for COVID-19-like symptoms since February 2020 and asked to report any prior COVID-19 nasal swab testing. Descriptive statistics and two-sided Chi Square tests with Yates correction were used to compare groups. RESULTS: Of 318 FRs, 225 (80.2%) underwent serology testing (LE: 163/207 [78.7%]; FF: 92/111 [82.9%]). The prevalence of positive serology for all FRs tested was 3/255 (1.2%). Two LE (1.2%) and one FF (1.1%) had positive serology (P = 1.0). Two hundred and twenty-four FRs responded to a survey regarding prior symptoms and testing. Fifty-eight (25.9%) FRs (44 LE; 14 FFs) reported the presence of COVID-19-like symptoms. Of these, only nine (15.5%) received reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing; none were positive. Two of the three FRs with positive serology reported no COVID-19-like symptoms and none of these responders had received prior nasal RT-PCR swabs. The overall community positive RT-PCR rate was 0.36%, representing a three-fold higher rate of positive seroprevalence amongst FRs compared with the general population (P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: Amongst a cohort of municipal FRs with low community COVID-19 prevalence, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-19 IgG Ab was three-fold greater than the general community. Two-thirds of positive FRs reported a lack of symptoms. Only 15.5% of FRs with COVID-19-like symptoms received RT-PCR testing. In addition to workplace control measures, increased testing availability to FRs is critical in limiting infection spread and ensuring response capability.

Best Practices in Managing Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has led to cardiac complications including an increasing incidence of cardiac arrest. The resuscitation of these patients requires a conscious effort to minimize the spread of the virus. We present a best-practice model based in four guiding principles: (1) reduce the risk of exposure to the entire health care team; (2) decrease the number of aerosol generating procedures; (3) use a small resuscitation team to limit potential exposure; and (4) consider early termination of resuscitative efforts.

The Efficacy of Novel Commercial Tourniquet Designs for Extremity Hemorrhage Control: Implications for Spontaneous Responder Every Day Carry.

INTRODUCTION: Tourniquets (TQs) save lives. Although military-approved TQs appear more effective than improvised TQs in controlling exsanguinating extremity hemorrhage, their bulk may preclude every day carry (EDC) by civilian lay-providers, limiting availability during emergencies. STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to compare the efficacy of three novel commercial TQ designs to a military-approved TQ. METHODS: Nine Emergency Medicine residents evaluated four different TQ designs: Gen 7 Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT7; control), Stretch Wrap and Tuck Tourniquet (SWAT-T), Gen 2 Rapid Application Tourniquet System (RATS), and Tourni-Key (TK). Popliteal artery flow cessation was determined using a ZONARE ZS3 ultrasound. Steady state maximal generated force was measured for 30 seconds with a thin-film force sensor. RESULTS: Success rates for distal arterial flow cessation were 89% CAT7; 67% SWAT-T; 89% RATS; and 78% TK (H 0.89; P = .83). Mean (SD) application times were 10.4 (SD = 1.7) seconds CAT7; 23.1 (SD = 9.0) seconds SWAT-T; 11.1 (SD = 3.8) seconds RATS; and 20.0 (SD = 7.1) seconds TK (F 9.71; P <.001). Steady state maximal forces were 29.9 (SD = 1.2) N CAT7; 23.4 (SD = 0.8) N SWAT-T; 33.0 (SD = 1.3) N RATS; and 41.9 (SD = 1.3) N TK. CONCLUSION: All novel TQ systems were non-inferior to the military-approved CAT7. Mean application times were less than 30 seconds for all four designs. The size of these novel TQs may make them more conducive to lay-provider EDC, thereby increasing community resiliency and improving the response to high-threat events.

A Descriptive Analysis of Pediatric Prehospital Refusal of Medical Assistance Within a Single Service Provider System.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric refusal of medical assistance (RMA) is a potentially high-risk event with implications for both individual patient outcomes and greater emergency medical services system efficiency. The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of pediatric RMA calls and outcomes. METHODS: Single emergency medical services agency retrospective study of calls between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, for pediatric patients resulting in RMA was performed. Dispatch complaint-matched case-control group was generated from transported patients. RESULTS: The percentage of pediatric calls that resulted in RMA was 12.7%, compared with 5% adult calls (P < 0.0001). The 3 most common RMA dispatch complaints were seizures, difficulty breathing, and traffic accidents. Furthermore, 65.1% pediatric RMA calls were emergently dispatched, compared with 56.4% of transported pediatric patients (P = 0.01). Medical control was contacted for 4.6% RMA calls. The average ± SD word count for RMA patient care narratives was 179 ± 99 words, compared with 164 ± 139 words for controls (P = 0.11). Documentation of risk-benefit discussion occurred in 28.6% RMA narratives. Outcome data were available for 83.8% RMA patients. The percentage of RMA patients with documented alternative plans who completed the alternative plan was 61.6%. Within 72 hours of RMA, 5.0% of calls with known outcome resulted in unexpected emergency department visit. No unexpected emergency department visits resulted in admission. Five percent of RMA patients were admitted; 1 patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. No emergent surgeries or deaths occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric RMA is common within our study population, and two thirds involve emergent dispatch. Although outcomes are generally good, refusal documentation is sparse and medical control is seldom contacted. Multiple opportunities for systems improvement exist.

Crossover Assessment of Intraoral and Cuffed Ventilation by Emergency Responders.

OBJECTIVES: A cuffed bag valve mask (BVM) is the most common device used by emergency medical responders to ventilate patients. The BVM can be difficult for users to seal around the patient's mouth and nose. An intraoral mask (IOM) with snorkel-like design may facilitate quicker and better ventilation particularly under austere conditions. METHODS: Both a BVM and IOM were utilized by 27 trained emergency medical technicians and paramedics to ventilate a lightly embalmed cadaver. Ventilation efficacy, workload, and usability were assessed for both devices across four study conditions. RESULTS: The IOM was superior to the BVM in delivered tidal volume ratio (measure of leak, p < 0.03) and minute ventilation (p < 0.0001). Workload, ergonomic and usability assessments indicated that the IOM facilitated gripping through the reduced hand interface size (p < 0.01), decreased user effort (p < 0.001), and reduced upper limb workload (p = 0.0088). CONCLUSIONS: In the assessed model, the IOM represented a better choice for airway management than the standard cuffed BVM. An emergency medical device that is intuitive, efficacious and less demanding has the potential to reduce responder stress and improve resuscitation efforts, especially during austere rescue and patient transport.

Sweating the Little Things: Tourniquet Application Efficacy in Two Models of Pediatric Limb Circumference.

BACKGROUND: Current military recommendations include the use of tourniquets (TQ) in appropriate pediatric trauma patients. Although the utility of TQs has been well documented in adult patients, the efficacy of TQ application in pediatric patients is less clear. The current study attempted to identify physical constraints for TQ use in two simulated pediatric limb models. METHODS: Five different TQ (Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) Generation 6 and Generation 7, SOFTT (SOF Tactical Tourniquet), SOFTT-W (SOF Tactical Tourniquet - Wide), SWAT-T (Stretch Wrap and Tuck - Tourniquet) and a trauma dressing were evaluated in two simulated pediatric limb models. Model one employed four cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manikins simulating infant (Simulaids SaniBaby), 1 year (Gaumard HAL S3004), and 5 years (Laerdal Resusci Junior, Gaumard HAL S3005). Model two utilized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping with circumferences ranging from 4.25" to 16.5". Specific end-points included tightness of the TQ and ability to secure the windlass (where applicable). RESULTS: In both models, the ability to successfully apply and secure the TQ depended upon the simulated limb circumference. In the 1-year-old CPR manikin, all windlass TQs failed to tighten on the upper extremity, while all TQs successfully tightened at the high leg and mid-thigh. With the exception of the CAT7 and the SOFTT-W at the mid-thigh, no windlass TQ was successfully tightened at any extremity location on the infant. The SWAT-T was successfully tightened over all sites of all CPR manikins except the infant. No windlass TQ was able to tighten on PVC pipe 5.75" circumference or smaller (age < 24 months upper extremity). All windlass TQs were tightened and secured on the 13.25" and 15.5" circumference PVC pipes (age 7-12 years lower extremity, age >13 years upper extremity). The SWAT-T was tightened on all PVC pipes. DISCUSSION: The current study suggests that commercial windlass TQs can be applied to upper and lower extremities of children aged 5 years and older at the 50%th percentile for limb circumference. In younger children, windlass TQ efficacy is variable. Further study is required to better understand the limitations of TQs in the youngest children, and to determine actual hemorrhage control efficacy.

An In Situ Simulation-Based Training Approach to Active Shooter Response in the Emergency Department.

ABSTRACTWith an increased number of active shooter events in the United States, emergency departments are challenged to ensure preparedness for these low frequency but high stakes events. Engagement of all emergency department personnel can be very challenging due to a variety of barriers. This article describes the use of an in situ simulation training model as a component of active shooter education in one emergency department. The educational tool was intentionally developed to be multidisciplinary in planning and involvement, to avoid interference with patient care and to be completed in the true footprint of the work space of the participants. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive both in terms of added value and avoidance of creating secondary emotional or psychological stress. The specific barriers and methods to overcome implementation are outlined. Although the approach was used in only one department, the approach and lessons learned can be applied to other emergency departments in their planning and preparation. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:345-352).

Emergency Medical Services Response to Mass Shooting and Active Shooter Incidents, United States, 2014-2015.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to describe the injury patterns, EMS response and interventions to mass shooting (MS) and active shooter (AS) incidents. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 2014-2015 National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) data sets. Date, time, and location for MS incidents were obtained from the Gun Violence Archive and then correlated with NEMSIS data set records. AS incidents were identified through Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) data. A de-identified database was generated for final analysis. RESULTS: A total of 608 MS incidents were identified, of which 19 were also classified as AS incidents. NEMSIS patient care data was available for 652 EMS activations representing 226 unique MS incidents. Thirty-four EMS responses to 5 unique AS incidents were similarly identified: 76% of victims were male and 80% of victims were African American. Dispatch complaint did not suggest shooting (potentially dangerous scene environment) in 15.9% of records. The most commonly reported incident locations for MS were Street/Highway (38.2%) and Home/Residence (32.4%). Location of wounds included extremities (49%), chest (12%), and head/neck (13%). Tourniquet use was documented in 6 victims. 35.9% of victims were transported to the closest facility. CONCLUSIONS: MS and AS incidents are prevalent in the United States. Despite the fact that extremity wounds were common, documented EMS tourniquet use was uncommon. While MS events are high risk for responders, dispatch information was lacking in almost 15% of records. Responding EMS agencies were diverse, emphasizing the need to ensure all EMS providers are prepared to respond to MS incidents.

Unidentified anion gap metabolic acidosis.

A 35-month-old female with nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) presented to the Emergency department with severe hypoglycemia, fever, and several episodes of seizures. Due to worsening respiratory status, additional seizures and anion gap worsening metabolic acidosis the patient was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit. The useful mnemonics for causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis are the classic MUDPILES (representing Methanol, Uraemia, Diabetes, Paraldehyde, Iron (and Isoniazid), Lactate, Ethylene glycol, and Salicylate) and the more recently proposed GOLD MARK (Glycols [ethylene and propylene], Oxoproline, l-lactate, d-lactate, Methanol, Aspirin, Renal failure, and Ketoacidosis) as causes of the anion gap metabolic acidosis were all ruled out. Relatively stable concentrations of salicylate (approximately 10 mg/dL, 0.7 mmol/L) were noted, despite no evidence the patient received aspirin Therefore further laboratory testing was performed. A Basic-Acid-Neutral (BAN) gas chromatography mass-spectroscopy (GC-MS) Drug screen of urine was undertaken. A large benzoic acid peak was identified by spectral match, which supported the clinical history that the patient was taking sodium benzoate powder 1175 mg as a dietary supplement three times a day. However, salicylate was not identified. This patient had benzoic acid concentration in excess of 2000 µg/mL. Given that benzoic acid is a weak acid, with a pK of approximately 4 it is almost completely ionized at pH 7. Therefore, the large amount of benzoic acid was not only thought to be contributing to the patient's anion gap metabolic acidosis, but the source of the interference in the salicylate assay.

Analysis of Prehospital Scene Times and Interventions on Mortality Outcomes in a National Cohort of Penetrating and Blunt Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested improved outcomes in victims of penetrating trauma managed with shorter prehospital times and limited interventions. The purpose of the current study was to perform an outcome analysis of patients transported following penetrating and blunt traumatic injuries. METHODS: We performed a descriptive retrospective analysis of the 2014 National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) public release research data set for patients presenting after acute traumatic injury. RESULTS: A total of 2,018,141 patient encounters met criteria, of which 3.9% were penetrating trauma. Prehospital cardiac arrest occurred in 0.5% blunt and 4.2% penetrating trauma patients. Emergency department (ED) mortality was higher in penetrating than blunt trauma patients (4.1% vs. 0.8%). Scene times were 18.1 ± 36.5 minutes for blunt and 16.0 ± 45.3 minutes for penetrating trauma. Mean scene time for blunt trauma patients who died in the ED was 24.9 ± 58.0 minutes compared with 18.8 ± 38.5 minutes for those admitted; for penetrating trauma, scene times were 17.9 ± 23.5 and 13.4 ± 11.6 minutes, respectively. Mean number of procedures performed for blunt trauma patients who died in the ED was 6.5 ± 4.3 compared with 3.1 ± 2.3 for those who survived until admission; for penetrating trauma, the numbers of procedures performed were 5.7 ± 3.4 and 2.6 ± 2.0, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although less frequent than blunt trauma, penetrating trauma is associated with significantly higher prehospital and ED mortality. Increased scene time and number of procedures was associated with greater mortality for both blunt and penetrating trauma. Further study is required to better understand any causal relationships between prehospital times and interventions and patient outcomes.

Prehospital Blood Product Administration Opportunities in Ground Transport ALS EMS - A Descriptive Study.

IntroductionHemorrhage remains the major cause of preventable death after trauma. Recent data suggest that earlier blood product administration may improve outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether opportunities exist for blood product transfusion by ground Emergency Medical Services (EMS). METHODS: This was a single EMS agency retrospective study of ground and helicopter responses from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2015 for adult trauma patients transported from the scene of injury who met predetermined hemodynamic (HD) parameters for potential transfusion (heart rate [HR]≥120 and/or systolic blood pressure [SBP]≤90). RESULTS: A total of 7,900 scene trauma ground transports occurred during the study period. Of 420 patients meeting HD criteria for transfusion, 53 (12.6%) had a significant mechanism of injury (MOI). Outcome data were available for 51 patients; 17 received blood products during their emergency department (ED) resuscitation. The percentage of patients receiving blood products based upon HD criteria ranged from 1.0% (HR) to 5.9% (SBP) to 38.1% (HR+SBP). In all, 74 Helicopter EMS (HEMS) transports met HD criteria for blood transfusion, of which, 28 patients received prehospital blood transfusion. Statistically significant total patient care time differences were noted for both the HR and the SBP cohorts, with HEMS having longer time intervals; no statistically significant difference in mean total patient care time was noted in the HR+SBP cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, HD parameters alone did not predict need for ED blood product administration. Despite longer transport times, only one-third of HEMS patients meeting HD criteria for blood administration received prehospital transfusion. While one-third of ground Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport patients manifesting HD compromise received blood products in the ED, this represented 0.2% of total trauma transports over the study period. Given complex logistical issues involved in prehospital blood product administration, opportunities for ground administration appear limited within the described system. MixFM, ZielinskiMD, MyersLA, BernsKS, LukeA, StubbsJR, ZietlowSP, JenkinsDH, SztajnkrycerMD. Prehospital blood product administration opportunities in ground transport ALS EMS - a descriptive study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(3):230-236.

A Descriptive Analysis of Care Provided by Law Enforcement Prior to EMS Arrival in the United States.

Study Objectives Law enforcement is increasingly viewed as a key component in the out-of-hospital chain of survival, with expanded roles in cardiac arrest, narcotic overdose, and traumatic bleeding. Little is known about the nature of care provided by law enforcement prior to the arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) assets. The purpose of the current study was to perform a descriptive analysis of events reported to a national EMS database. METHODS: This study was a descriptive analysis of the 2014 National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) public release research data set, containing EMS emergency response data from 41 states. Code E09_02 1200 specifically identifies care provided by law enforcement prior to EMS arrival. RESULTS: A total of 25,835,729 unique events were reported. Of events in which pre-arrival care was documented, 2.0% received prior aid by law enforcement. Patients receiving law enforcement care prior to EMS arrival were more likely to be younger (52.8 [SD=23.3] years versus 58.7 [SD=23.3] years), male (54.8% versus 46.7%), and white (80.3% versus 77.5%). Basic Life Support (BLS) EMS response was twice as likely in patients receiving prior aid by law enforcement. Multiple-casualty incidents were five times more likely with prior aid by law enforcement. Compared with prior aid by other services, law enforcement pre-arrival care was more likely with motor vehicle accidents, firearm assaults, knife assaults, blunt assaults, and drug overdoses, and less likely at falls and childbirths. Cardiac arrest was significantly more common in patients receiving prior aid by law enforcement (16.5% versus 2.6%). Tourniquet application and naloxone administration were more common in the law enforcement prior aid group. CONCLUSION: Where noted, law enforcement pre-arrival care occurs in 2.0% of EMS patient encounters. The majority of cases involve cardiac arrest, motor vehicle accidents, and assaults. Better understanding of the nature of law enforcement care is required in order to identify potential barriers to care and to develop appropriate training and policy recommendations. Klassen AB , Core SB , Lohse CM , Sztajnkrycer MD . A descriptive analysis of care provided by law enforcement prior to EMS arrival in the United States. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):165-170.

Pediatric Prehospital Refusal of Medical Assistance: Association with Suspected Abuse or Neglect.

INTRODUCTION: Unlike adult refusal of medical assistance (RMA), pediatric refusal is not initiated by the patient. This lack of autonomy may permit neglect by the guardian through denial of necessary treatment. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether pediatric RMA was associated with suspected abuse or neglect (SAN). METHODS: This was a retrospective single EMS agency cross-sectional analysis of calls between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 for patients <18 years of age resulting in RMA. Age- and complaint-matched control groups were generated from transported patients during the same time period. Recidivism was defined as 2 or more episodes of RMA involving a single patient during the study period. RESULTS: A total of 241 calls for service resulted in RMA during the study period, representing 12.7% of all pediatric calls. Information regarding SAN was available for 202 calls. Recidivism was noted in 8 patients (17 calls for service), resulting in 185 unique patients. Twenty-one RMA patients (11.4%) were identified as SAN. No difference in SAN status was noted between RMA patients and age-matched controls (21 vs. 24, p = 0.75) and complaint-matched controls (21 vs. 26, p = 0.53). No SAN was identified in the 8 recidivist patients when compared with the 177 non-recidivist patients (0 vs. 21, p = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric SAN patients are not uncommon users of EMS in our service area. Neither RMA nor recidivist RMA was associated with the presence of SAN within our patient population.

A Descriptive Analysis of Tactical Casualty Care Interventions Performed by Law Enforcement Personnel in the State of Wisconsin, 2010-2015.

Introduction Based upon military experience, law enforcement has developed guidelines for medical care during high-threat conditions. The purpose of the current study was to provide a descriptive analysis of reported outcomes of law enforcement medical interventions. METHODS: This was a descriptive analysis of a convenience sample of cases submitted to the Wisconsin Tactical Medicine Initiative (Wisconsin USA), after the provision of successful patient care, between January 2010 and December 2015. The study was reviewed by the Mayo Foundation Institutional Review Board (Rochester, Minnesota USA) and deemed exempt. RESULTS: Nineteen agencies submitted information during the study period. Of the 56 episodes of care reported, four (7.1%) cases involved care provided to injured officers while 52 (92.9%) involved care to injured civilians, including suspects. In at least two cases, on-going threats existed during the provision of medical care to an injured civilian. Law enforcement rendered care prior to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival in all but two cases. CONCLUSIONS: The current case series demonstrates the life-saving potential for law enforcement personnel trained and equipped under current Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)/ Committee on Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (C-TECC) tactical casualty care guidelines. Although originally developed to save the lives of wounded combat personnel, in the civilian sector, the training appears more likely to save victims rather than law enforcement personnel. Stiles CM , Cook C , Sztajnkrycer MD . A descriptive analysis of tactical casualty care interventions performed by law enforcement personnel in the State of Wisconsin, 2010-2015. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(3):284-288.