SI79 – Cops and Meds/To Protect, Serve and Save

Included: DVD+ 1 Digital Download
Run Time: 30 minutes

THE PROGRAM

The program begins by featuring numerous incidents, many caught on camera, where officers were able to provide critical medical aid prior to the arrival of ems or fire. Examples include an Iowa cop, also trained as an e.m.t. who was able to provide immediate assistance when large horses suddenly bolted into a July 4^th crowd of thousands after the animals had been spooked. He was able to save lives. Also, an example of a young Ohio officer who had been carrying Dr. Dennis’ TRIK pouch when responding to a serious gunshot injury. The TRIK kit the officer had was small and easily portable. Standing for Trauma Rapid Intervention Kit, the vacuum-sealed kit contained an Israeli bandage (pressure dressing), a nasal airway, a blanket, a couple pairs of gloves, and scissors. Although the TRIK is no longer available, Dr. Dennis points out there are other similar lightweight kits that can be procured. There are also powerful instances where officers were able to immediately address assistance for a boy who had touched a downed, live wire, an officer who was able to save a child who had choked on a piece of candy, and, yet another, which found a Louisville cop able to revive a baby who had stopped breathing. It is also pointed out where officers found themselves on the receiving end of loud criticism for mistaking motorists having diabetic issues for perceived drunk driving. Dr. Dennis by the way in addition to his duties as head trauma surgeon at Cook County Hospital is also a law enforcement officer and Medical Director for the Illinois State Police. Key to this program is his contention that, so very often, law enforcement officers are perceived only as ‘enforcers’ not care-givers. As a result, much potential for not only life-saving but also quite possibly huge rewards in public relations, officers’ health, and well-being, and lessening of post traumatic issues is lost. The Illinois State Police, a large organization, he is intimately familiar with as its medical director, is a shining example, in his opinion. All ISP troopers learn and receive emergency medical response training at the academy. As a result, Dr. Dennis points out, in a recent year, troopers were credited with over 400 ‘saves’ during responses. Everything from heart attacks, strokes, serious knife and gunshot injuries, Narcan delivery, use of the AED’s, etc. He says it’s long overdue law enforcement is looked upon as the good guys and gals just as much as e.m.s. and fire. Following you will learn the very key points he states to make his powerful case.