The Duty to Render Medical Aid for Law Enforcement

Rising rates of mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness in communities across the country put law enforcement officers in the position of frequently responding to calls for service involving individuals who may, at any moment, need medical assistance. Understanding the legal and ethical duty to provide or obtain timely medical care is essential for saving lives, reducing liability, and maintaining public trust.

Since law enforcement officers are often the first to encounter individuals experiencing medical emergencies, traumatic injuries, or crises while in their custody or during enforcement actions, it is critical that police leaders ensure that their officers are aware of their duty to render medical aid.

In this two-hour webinar, Attorney Matt Dolan will examine officers’ duty to render medical aid in light of legal requirements that apply in scenarios varying from a limited detention to arrestee transportation to long-term incarceration. Attendees will gain clear guidance regarding the circumstances under which their obligation to provide medical assistance is triggered, practical guidelines for responding to signs of medical emergency, and effective documentation of medical-related incidents.

Topics discussed will include:

• Understanding the legal standard of deliberate indifference when dealing with cases of possible medical distress
• Addressing the consequences of delayed or inadequate medical care in the court of law and the court of public opinion
• Recognizing the role of supervisors in avoiding costly gaps between policy and practice regarding the duty to render medical aid
• Applying practical guidelines to situations involving possible medical distress