2006-11-15 12:40:27 · 9 answers · asked by columbiadorm 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Excellent question. Police officers can and do pronounce individuals dead when it is obvious. Sometimes EMTs may disturb a crime scene and, therefore, the EMT is not needed to pronounce death. These are on obvious cases. A well meaning EMT may want to help, but sometimes, they are not needed to pronounce death. Body position and the overall scene are extremely important in death investigations. An officer does not want someone to contaminate the crime scene. If the EMT arrives at the scene first and is actively working on an individual, most officers would assume that they are going to transport him or her. Other times, an EMT will wait for the officer before going into the scene due to the nature of the call (weapons, etc.).
2006-11-15 15:06:06 · answer #1 · answered by Christopher H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only a Dr can pronounce death, thats what Coroners and other Doctors do. A Policeman is not a Doctor. He can make a comment, that is a right. But not even an EMT can affix Death or Cause of, they can give Testimony or facts as they know them to the Coroner or an Attending Physician, but thats as far as they can go, legally.
2006-11-15 12:53:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well he can say he is dead, but since he is not a medical professional ( some officers can be of course)
But once a EMT is on the scene, the EMT takes over being in charge of the medical care of the patient.
2006-11-15 12:54:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the duty of a doctor to pronounce someone dead, not emt's paramedics, etc.
2006-11-15 23:15:01 · answer #4 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not unless the Officer is also an EMT.
2006-11-15 12:43:17 · answer #5 · answered by Jolly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't usually pronounce them dead. They leave that to the E.M.T.'s. In fact, if it's a situation where they're actually working on a person, they usually won't pronounce death until they get to the hospital.
2006-11-15 12:47:01 · answer #6 · answered by Jess H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On my Dept only the Chief Medical Examiner or one of his/her agents can pronounce someone.
2006-11-15 15:14:42 · answer #7 · answered by Lobster T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pass purchase a short can of stupid string on the dollar save (the three-4" tall ones). Wrap it in black electric tape, then start up bragging approximately your new "pepper foam." once you have have been given their interest, take it out as though to coach them, and spray it at them.
2016-10-15 14:43:21 · answer #8 · answered by sernas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-11-15 12:43:08 · answer #9 · answered by miked 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋