Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill that can save lives in emergencies, and police officers are often among the first responders to arrive at the scene of a medical crisis. While the minimal training they receive may prepare them to perform CPR, the act of doing so can expose officers to various risks — physical, psychological and legal. Understanding these risks is essential for officers.

Physical Risks

One of the most immediate dangers for police officers performing CPR is the physical risk associated with the procedure. This includes:

Injury from the environment: Officers often respond to emergencies in unpredictable environments. Performing CPR on unstable surfaces or in high-traffic areas can lead to injuries from falls or being struck by vehicles.

Potential for infection: In cases where CPR is needed due to trauma or when the patient has bloodborne pathogens, officers face a risk of exposure to infectious diseases. While the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended, officers may not always have it readily available during an emergency.

Physical strain: The physical demands of administering CPR, especially in prolonged or challenging situations, can lead to strain or injury. The effort required to perform chest compressions effectively can be significant, particularly if the officer is not in peak physical condition.

Crisis situations: In volatile environments, the potential for conflict can arise, making it difficult for officers to provide effective medical assistance. The need to balance law enforcement duties (i.e., securing a scene, dealing with other witnesses and/or suspects) versus the need to provide medical intervention adds to the complexity of their role.

Psychological Risks

The emotional toll of responding to medical emergencies can be substantial. Police officers may experience:

Trauma and stress: Witnessing traumatic events and dealing with the potential death of individuals can lead to acute stress or longer-term psychological issues such as PTSD. The helplessness of performing CPR without achieving a successful outcome can weigh heavily on officers.

Burnout: Regular exposure to high-stress situations can lead to burnout, affecting not only an officer’s mental health but also their job performance and personal relationships.

Emotional toll of failure: If an officer is unable to save a life despite their best efforts, it can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy. This emotional burden can affect both their personal well-being and their professional performance.

Legal Risks

The act of performing CPR also carries potential legal implications:

Good Samaritan laws: While many jurisdictions have good Samaritan laws to protect individuals from legal liability when providing emergency assistance, these protections can vary. Officers may face scrutiny over their actions in providing CPR, especially if the outcome is unfavorable.

In summary, as an officer, you have been minimally trained in CPR, along with first-aid skills involving the use of tourniquets and individual first-aid kits. Remember, you are police officers, not medical personnel. First and foremost, your role is to make the scene safe, stabilize it, protect it and, if you feel comfortable with the situation as a whole, render aid. Should you decide to provide CPR or other first-aid measures, utilize every precaution you can to protect yourself from exposures and be vigilant of your surroundings while you are attempting these tasks.