A recent study of Philadelphia’s “scoop and run” practice, which allows police to transport some patients, found patients were generally just as likely to survive whether they were transported by cruiser or ambulance. Share your thoughts on whether police should transport trauma patients to hospital. Email editor@police1.com.
Readers respond
When I was a lieutenant with the US Park Police, Officer Kelso Wallace was shot several times by a fugitive on the Baltimore Washington Parkway in Prince George’s County, Maryland. As the field commander, I directed his supervisor to immediately transport him to the hospital, without waiting for the ambulance. I believe that was a significant factor in saving his life.
As background, I had previously been assigned as a medic/EMT/observer on our helicopter, learning that rapid transportation to a qualified Emergency room was more important than the few options available to ambulance personnel. The Washington Hospital Center and Medstar reinforced the message and the need for professional medical staff and equipment to save lives.
Hugh C. Irwin, Major (ret.) US Park Police
| Yes | 33 % |
| No | 53 % |
| Not sure | 14 % |
| Total | 438 |