Author(s): Hartley F.L.; Howells A.; Thurgood A.; Hall F.J.; Porter K.M.
Source: Trauma (United Kingdom); Jan 2018; vol. 20 (no. 1); p. 20-24
Publication Date: Jan 2018
Publication Type(s): Article
Abstract:Introduction: D13 is a nationally agreed bespoke medical training package for specialist firearms police officers introduced in 2010. Patient report forms are completed after every episode of care provision. Methods: A review of patient report forms submitted by police firearms officers in five regions of England over the five years since the introduction of D13. Results: Officers attended a large range of incidents, both traumatic and medical, minor and life critical. The majority (69.5%) were responded to as part of a normal police response, while 30.5% of cases were due to primary firearm deployments. Catastrophic haemorrhage was dealt with in 8.1% of cases including the use of haemostatic dressings and tourniquet application. Airway interventions were required in 36.1% of patients and 50.4% required interventions for external bleeding. Discussion: From a background of a minimum of 18 h for Standard and 24 h for Enhanced courses and with regular simulation refreshers, specialist police officers, who are part of a robust clinical governance process, play an important role in providing immediate medical care in non-permissive or dangerous environments where ambulance personnel will not be present and when the officers are frequently first on scene.
Copyright © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.
Database: EMBASE