Often on a crime scene, the roles of law enforcement and EMS personnel clash. Rescue workers want to save lives while police are concerned with preserving evidence on the crime scene so that they can build a case to successfully prosecute those responsible. Remember, real-life police work is not that different from images depicted on “CSI.” Preserving the crime scene is important.
In many cases, rescue workers get to the scene before police. They may be required to go to court to testify about what they saw and their treatment of the victims. EMS workers can remember some simple rules for preserving crime scenes and preparing for court.
* If there is a lot of blood, try not to walk through it or touch it in anyway.
* Documentation is very important. Take extra time to make sure the report is thorough and correct.
* Include anything heard at the scene in your report. This includes statements by bystanders and witnesses. Some judges do not allow these statements in court but it is good to have them written in a report as close to verbatim as possible.
* If you move anything to get to a victim, document where it was originally. If any objects fall out of a patient’s clothing, document this as well.
* If a crime scene is determined to be a homicide, restrict the number of personnel allowed near the victim or victims.
* If a sexual assault has occurred, document any clothing removed during the examination and secure the clothing for police. If the clothing is torn, document where the tears are.
* Write down anything the patient says.
* Document the locations of all injuries. In cases of domestic violence, this includes any wounds that are healing or seem old.
* In domestic violence cases, look for signs of a struggle. This includes broken furniture, overturned objects and defense wounds on the victim.
Be professional when dealing with police, witnesses and victims. When the situation is tense and family members of the deceased or the perpetrator are still at the scene, things can easily become volatile. Rescue workers may have to step in and help law enforcement calm the situation. If one person is too out of control, some EMTs give a sedative to the person. EMTs should evaluate the situation and only give a sedative as a last resort. Document it carefully and have witnesses if possible.
Article provided by Kim Berly
