Protocol Status: PUBLISHED
Protocol:
Version: 2026.01
Effective Date:
Last Reviewed:
Medical Director Approval:
Clinical Note: This content reflects current GCEMS clinical guidelines as of the dates listed above. If content appears inconsistent with current policy, use the most recent approved guideline and notify leadership for correction.

Police Custody

 

Policy:

 

  • For this policy to be used, the patient only needs to be in the care of police and does not have to be under police custody.
  • All patients in police custody retain the right to request transport. This should be coordinated with law enforcement.

 

Purpose:

 

  • To assure the patient receives the appropriate care following encounter with law enforcement.

 

Procedure:

 

  • Assess for evidence of traumatic injury or medical illness and follow appropriate protocol.
  • If a Taser® has been used, follow
  • Wound Care: Taser® Probe Removal Procedure and appropriate trauma protocol.
  • If pepper spray has been used, irrigate the face and eyes and remove contaminated clothing.
    • Assess for dyspnea, wheezing and a history of asthma or COPD.
    • If patient has a history of a reactive airway disease or shows any signs of dyspnea or wheezing, observe for 20 minutes and follow appropriate respiratory protocol.
    • If an asthmatic, patient is exposed to pepper spray and released to law enforcement, all parties should be advised to immediately re-contact EMS if wheezing, or difficulty breathing occurs.
  • Assess patient for cardiac history, chest pain, or palpitations. If patient shows cardiac related signs or symptoms, follow appropriate cardiac protocol.
  • Continue to observe for agitated delirium syndrome .
    • Agitated delirium is characterized by marked restlessness, irritability, and/or high fever. Patients exhibiting these signs are at high risk for sudden death and should be transported to hospital by ALS personnel.
  • If restraints are necessary, follow Behavioral Emergencies/Chemical Restraint Protocol.
    • Patients restrained by law enforcement devices cannot be transported in the ambulance without a law enforcement officer in the patient compartment who is capable of removing the devices.
  • If there is any doubt about the cause of the patient’s alteration in mental status, transport the patient to the hospital for evaluation.
  • Coordinate disposition with patient, law enforcement and if necessary, Medical Control.
  • Never argue with law enforcement. If law enforcement interferes with the patient’s ability to refuse or request care, attempt to obtain a police signature verifying refusal or request of care and report the incident to a supervisor.