The police work day and night to keep the city safe. They also often encounter critical medical conditions or may have an injured victim. Cops need BLS and CPR certification courses to keep their partners and victims safe. This blog discusses the BLS training police officers need and how to react if a police officer experiences a cardiac arrest on duty.
The importance of BLS training for police officers
BLS training teaches police officers how to recognize the signs of a medical emergency. They learn to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This training can help police officers save lives in medical emergencies.
In addition to saving lives, BLS training can help police officers protect themselves and their fellow officers. They can help a team member in the case of a cardiac arrest during a shootout or other situations.
BLS training is also essential for police officers because it can help them maintain their composure in stressful situations. When a police officer is responding to a medical emergency, they may feel stressed or anxious. BLS training can help the police officer stay calm and focused, which can help them provide the best possible care to the person in need.
How to perform BLS on a suspect?
The steps for performing BLS on a suspect are the same as those for anyone else. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when performing BLS on a suspect:
1. Be aware of your surroundings. If the suspect is in a dangerous location, such as a crime scene, take precautions to protect yourself and others.
2. Secure the location if the suspect is armed or dangerous before you begin BLS. It may involve calling for backup or asking other officers to help you.
3. Check if the suspect has a pulse. If yes, you do not need CPR. However, you should still check for breathing and give rescue breaths if necessary.
4. Protect yourself from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Wear gloves and a face shield when performing BLS on a suspect. It will help protect you from contracting diseases like HIV and hepatitis B.
Here are the steps for performing BLS on a suspect:
1. Tap on the victim’s shoulder and ask for their well-being loudly.
2. Call 911 if you get no response.
3. You must start CPR to save the victim’s life. Position yourself on the victim’s side and interlock your hands over their chest.
4. Give chest compressions that are quick and deep. Make sure every compression is almost 2 inches deep.
5. Repeat the chest compressions and the steps. Continue CPR until you have help or the emergency medical team arrives.
If you can get help, ask someone else to take over chest compressions while you perform rescue breathing. Rescue breathing involves giving the suspect two rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
What to do if a police officer goes into cardiac arrest?
If a police officer goes into cardiac arrest, the most important thing to do is start CPR immediately. CPR can help keep the officer’s blood flowing and oxygenated until help arrives. The steps for CPR will remain the same. However, you must ensure there are no open wounds. If a police officer goes into cardiac arrest in the field, bring them to a safe place before starting CPR.
Here are the steps for what to do if a police officer goes into cardiac arrest:
1. Check For Responsiveness: Tap the officer on the shoulder and ask them if they are okay. If they do not respond, call 911 or your local emergency number.
2. Check For A Pulse: Place your fingers on the officer’s neck to check for a pulse. If you do not find a pulse, start CPR.
3. Start CPR: Place the heel of your hand on the center of the officer’s chest, just below the nipples. Place your other hand on the first hand and interlock your fingers. Lock your elbows and straighten your arms. Press down on the chest using your body weight, compressing the chest by about 2 inches. Release the pressure and allow the chest to return to its normal position. Repeat steps 6 and 7 at 100–120 compressions per minute.
4. Use An AED If Available: If an AED is available, switch it on and make sure you deliver the shock when prompted.
5. Continue CPR Until Help Arrives: Do not give up, even if the officer does not seem to be responding. Continue CPR until help arrives.
Conclusion
BLS and CPR certification courses are essential to a police officer’s training. It can help police officers save lives, protect themselves and their fellow officers, and maintain composure in stressful situations. To take recognized courses, log onto the American HealthCare Academy website. With this certification, you can learn the updated skills for BLS and CPR. This institute also offers other life-saving certificates. Log onto the AHCA website today and get started.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.