Domestic Violence (V2)

Course overview

Abusers use domestic violence, fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to gain and maintain total control over a person, including physical harm to the individual or those around them. Domestic violence can occur in any type of relationship, age range, ethnic background, or economic level, and can be directed towards women or men. Dr. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and the Department of Emergency Medicine at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, discusses the dangers involved with domestic violence calls and the necessity of EMTs and Paramedics to be extremely vigilant for both personal safety and scene safety while at the same time caring for patients and preserving evidence. The EMS professional should become aware of the history of oppression that underlies the causes of domestic violence and the frequency and severity of occurrences, and is not immune to the effects of an abusive situation. This course reviews the appropriate EMS response to calls involving abuse.