Immediate Medical Care Rendered by U.S. Law Enforcement Officers After Officer-Involved Shootings – An Open-Access Public Domain Video Analysis

Abstract

Introduction:

After officer-involved shootings, rapid delivery of emergency medical care is critical but may be delayed due to scene safety concerns. The purpose of this study was to describe medical care rendered by law enforcement officers (LEO) after lethal force incidents.

Method:

Retrospective analysis of open-source video footage of officer-involved shootings (OIS) occurring between 2/15/2013 and 12/31/2020. Frequency and nature of care provided, time until LEO and emergency medical services (EMS) care, and mortality outcomes were evaluated. The study was deemed exempt by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board.

Results:

342 videos were included in the final analysis. LEOs rendered care in 172 (50.3%) incidents. The average elapsed time from the time of injury to LEO-provided care was 155.8 + 198.8 seconds. Hemorrhage control was the most common intervention performed. An average of 214.2 seconds elapsed between LEO care and EMS arrival. No mortality difference was identified between LEO vs EMS care (p = 0.1631). Subjects with truncal wounds were more likely to die than those with extremity wounds (p < 0.00001).

Conclusion:

LEO rendered medical care in half of all OIS incidents, initiating care on average 3.5 minutes prior to EMS arrival. Although no significant mortality difference was noted for LEO versus EMS care, this finding must be interpreted cautiously, as specific interventions, such as extremity hemorrhage control, may have impacted select patients. Future studies are needed to determine optimal LEO care for these patients.