In this chapter you will learn about the following: Describe the basic structure of the legal system in the United States, relate how laws affect the paramedic’s practice, list situations that a paramedic is legally required to report in most states, describe the four elements involved in a claim of negligence, describe measures paramedics may take to protect themselves from claims of negligence. | 9/11/2012 1 Chapter 56 Crime Scene Awareness 2 Learning Objectives • Describe general techniques for determining whether a scene is violent and choosing the appropriate response to a violent scene. • Outline techniques for recognizing and responding to potentially dangerous residential calls. • Outline techniques for recognizing and responding to potentially dangerous calls on the highway. 3 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 1 9/11/2012 Learning Objectives • Describe signs of danger and emergency medical services (EMS) response to violent street incidents. • Identify characteristics of and EMS response to situations involving gangs, clandestine drug labs, and domestic violence situations. 4 Learning Objectives • Outline general safety tactics that EMS personnel can use if they find themselves in a dangerous situation. • Describe special EMS considerations when providing tactical patient care. • Discuss EMS documentation and preservation of evidence at a crime scene. 5 Why isn’t it always possible to identify a dangerous scene before arriving at the scene? 6 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 2 9/11/2012 Approaching the Scene • For paramedics and other responders, determining personal safety is basic part of analyzing scene – Begins before paramedics arrive at scene with information provided by dispatching center – Key point in ensuring personal safety is to identify and respond to potential dangers before they threaten – Information may be available from dispatching center that should alert EMS crew to possible dangers 7 Approaching the Scene • Such information includes known locations of unsafe scenes (., through computer‐aided dispatch systems) and/or presence of: – Large crowds – People under influence of alcohol or other drugs – On‐scene violence – Weapons 8 Approaching the Scene • .
