Research Projects

Common Medical Complaints Encountered by Vermont Law Enforcement

What it is:
  • A brief, anonymous RedCap survey of active law enforcement officers in the state of Vermont asking them about the most common medical complaints they have encountered on the job in the past 5 years. Additional questions include asking about their confidence level in treating these conditions prior to EMS arrival and what level of medical training they have received. 
  • Anyone who completes the survey can submit their official work email to enter a raffle to win one of twenty-five $10 Amazon gift cards. 
What’s the need:
  • Little to no research exists on the medical care provided by law enforcement
  • The results of this study will then be used to guide the development of medical courses  specifically tailored to the needs of law enforcement.
  • The data will also be used to write and submit for publication in Medical Journals to allow other researchers to learn and develop further projects
Who is involved:
  • This project is being developed by members of the University of Vermont Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine Residency Program and the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program.
  • This project has been approved by the University of Vermont Medical Internal Review Board.
  • The Principal Investigator is Nicholas Lang, MD UVMMC Emergency Medicine Resident PGY-2. 
  • Lead clinical research coordinator is Jackson Lyttleton, BS 
  • Faculty advisor to the project is Douglas George, MD UVMMC Assistant Professor Department of Emergency Medicine 
 

Results (raw data presented with number of responses followed by percentile)

Do you consent to be a part of this study?

  • Yes: (56, 100%)
  • No: (0, 0%)

What type of Department do you work for?

  • Local (42, 75.0%)
  • Sheriff (11, 19.6%)
  • Federal (1, 1.8%)
  • State (2, 3.6%),
  • Corrections (0, 0.0%)
  • Other (0, 0.0%)

How large is the town you most frequently respond to?

  • Greater than 10,000 residents (Essex Junction or larger) (21, 37.5%)
  • Between 5,000 and 9,999 residents (Jericho to Williston) (24, 42.9%)
  • Less than 5000 residents (Fairfax and smaller) (10, 17.9%)
  • Not applicable (1, 1.8%)

(1/3) What is the most common medical complaint you have come across while working in the past 5 years in Vermont?

  • Likely opiate overdose (heroin, fentanyl, or any drug use leading to breathing problems) (16, 28.6%)
  • Alcohol intoxication (13, 23.2%),
  • Confusion or altered mental status (with no known cause) (7, 12.5%),
  • Suicidal (either attempted or talking about) (3, 5.4%),
  • Severe Agitation (unknown cause) (1, 1.8%),
  • Other mental health problem (13, 23.2%),
  • Difficulty breathing (choking, asthma, shortness of breath, etc.) (1, 1.8%), 
  • Other (2, 3.6%)

How prepared do you feel to handle this scenario? 

  • Confident (41, 74.5%)
  • Ok (13, 23.6%),
  • Not at all (1, 1.8%)

Have you been trained to handle this complaint?

  • Yes (54, 96.4%)
  • No (2, 3.6%)

Would you like additional training on this complaint?

  • Yes (28, 50.0%)
  • No (28, 50.0%)

(2/3) What is the 2nd most common medical complaint you have come across in the past 5 years while working in Vermont?

  • Likely opiate overdose (heroin, fentanyl, or any drug use leading to breathing problems) (9, 16.4%)
  • Likely Stimulant use (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.) (8, 14.5%)
  • Alcohol intoxication (14, 25.5%)
  • Confusion or altered mental status (with no known cause) (4, 7.3%)
  • Suicidal (either attempted or talking about) (7, 12.7%)
  • Severe Agitation (unknown cause) (1, 1.8%)
  • Other mental health problem (4, 7.3%), 
  • Penetrating injury (shooting/stabbing) (1, 1.8%)
  • Blunt trauma (car accidents, fall from heights, hit by heavy equipment) (2, 3.6%), 
  • Falls from standing/lift assist (elderly person unable to get up after tripping) (1, 1.8%),
  • Not breathing (unknown reason) (2, 3.6%), 
  • Diabetic emergency (low or high blood sugar level) (1, 1.8%), 
  • Other (1, 1.8%)

How prepared do you feel to handle this scenario?

  • Confident (36, 66.7%),
  • OK (16, 29.6%)
  • Not at all prepared (2, 3.7%)

Have you been trained to handle this complaint?

  • Yes (51, 92.7%)
  • No (4, 7.3%)

Would you like additional training on this complaint?

  • Yes (30, 56.6%)
  • No (23, 43.4%)

(3/3) What is the 3rd most common medical complaint you have come across in the past 5 years while working in Vermont?

  •  Likely opiate overdose (heroin, fentanyl, or any drug use leading to breathing problems) (10, 18.2%)
  • Likely Stimulant use (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.) (4, 7.3%)
  • Alcohol intoxication (11, 20.0%)
  • Confusion or altered mental status (with no known cause) (6, 10.9%),
  • Suicidal (either attempted or talking about) (4, 7.3%)
  • Severe Agitation (unknown cause) (1, 1.8%)
  • Other mental health problem (10, 18.2%),
  • Blunt trauma (car accidents, fall from heights, hit by heavy equipment) (4, 7.3%)
  • Chest pain (without obvious injury) (2, 3.6%)
  • No pulses (anyone requiring CPR) (1, 1.8%)
  • Stroke (sudden weakness in arm/hand/leg, trouble speaking, drooping face) (1, 1.8%)
  • Other (1, 1.8%)

How prepared do you feel to handle this scenario?

  • Confident (31, 58.5%)
  • OK (20, 37.7%)
  • Not at all prepared (2, 3.8%)

Have you been trained to handle this complaint?

  • Yes (50, 92.6%)
  • No (4, 7.4%)

Would you like additional training on this complaint?

  • Yes (30, 55.6%)
  • No (24, 44.4%)

What level of medical training are you currently certified in? (Select all that apply)

  • First Aid/CPR (50, 90.9%)
  • Stop the bleed (32, 58.2%)
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (4, 7.3%)
  • Vermont EMS First Responder (VEFR) (0, 0.0%)
  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) (0, 0.0%)
  • Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) (3, 5.5%)
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) (4, 7.3%)
  • Paramedic (3, 5.5%)
  • Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) (13, 23.6%)
  • Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) (8, 14.5%)
  • Other (6, 10.9%)

Have you received any additional medical training since graduating from the police academy?

  • Yes (43, 76.8%)
  • No (13, 23.2%)

Are you a member of a special response or high-risk team? eg SWAT

  • Yes (13, 23.6%)
  • No (42, 76.4%)

What medical equipment do you carry on your person while on shift? (Select all that apply)

  • Tourniquet (CAT) (48, 92.3%)
  • Narcan (naloxone) (40, 76.9%)
  • Wound packing material (gauze, quikclot) (23, 44.2%)
  • Chest seal (occlusion dressing) (18, 34.6%)
  • Needle for decompression (Spear, ARS) (5, 9.6%)
  • Other (5, 9.6%)
  • none (1, 1.9%)

What medical equipment do you have in your work vehicle? (Select all that apply)

  • Tourniquet (CAT) (47, 83.9%)
  • Narcan (naloxone) (42, 75.0%)
  • Wound packing material (gauze, Quikclot) (50, 89.3%)
  • Chest seal (occlusive dressing) (40, 71.4%)
  • Needle for decompression (Spear, ARS) (9, 16.1%)
  • Other (11, 19.6%)
  • none (2, 3.6%)

Survey Questions as seen by respondents (Created with Redcap)

Introductory Page:

Thank you for participating in the Common Medical Complaints Encountered by Vermont Law Enforcement Survey. This research survey is being conducted by the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Vermont. The goal of this study is to quantify which medical scenarios law enforcement officers in Vermont are encountering. All answers are completely anonymous and will not be traceable back to you. At the end, you will have the option to enter a raffle to win a $10 gift card. That form is completely separate from this survey and will not be able to be traced back to you. We appreciate your time and for filling out this survey! By clicking “Yes” to the consent question below, you agree that you understand what is involved with the survey and have read the attached information sheet.

Please answer all questions based on your experience in Vermont in the PAST 5 years. You do not have to answer all of the questions to submit.

Please see the attached information sheet for a comprehensive outline of this survey.

[Attachment: “LEO_Information_sheet_5.03.pdf”] (copy below)

Multiple Choice Questions:

  • I am a sworn and active law enforcement officer with a 
    primary jurisdiction in the state of Vermont:
      • Yes
      • No
  • Do you consent to be part of this study?
      • Yes
      • No
  • What type of department do you work for?
      • Local
      • Sheriff
      • Federal
      • State
      • Corrections
      • Other
  • How many years have you worked as a law enforcement Officer in Vermont?
      • Less than 1 year
      •  1-5 years
      • 5-10 years
      • 10 or more years
  • How large is the town you most frequently respond to?
      • Greater than 10,000 residents (Essex Junction or larger)
      • Between 5,000 and 9,999 residents (Jericho to Williston)
      • Less than 5000 residents (Fairfax and smaller)
      • Not applicable
  • (1/3) What is the most common medical complaint you have come across in the past 5 years in Vermont?
      • Likely opiate overdose (heroin, fentanyl, or any drug use leading to breathing problems)
      •  Likely Stimulant use (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.)
      • Alcohol intoxication
      • Confusion or altered mental status (with no known cause)
      • Suicidal (either attempted or talking about)
      • Severe Agitation (unknown cause)
      • Other mental health problem
      • Seizures (either actively shaking or recent seizure per bystander or patient)
      • Penetrating injury (shooting/stabbing)
      • Blunt trauma (car accidents, fall from heights, hit by heavy equipment)
      • Traumatic head injuries (hit in the head, falls with head strike)
      • Falls from standing/lift assist (elderly person unable to get up after tripping)
      • Chest pain (without obvious injury)
      • No pulses (anyone requiring CPR)
      • Not breathing (unknown reason)
      • Difficulty breathing (choking, asthma, shortness of breath, etc.)
      • Burn injuries (car/house/cooking fires/fireworks gone wrong)
      • Wound care (animal bites, chronic wounds, cuts, abrasions, etc.)
      • Diabetic emergency (low or high blood sugar level)
      • Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction to bee sting, food, etc.)
      • Drowning
      • Heat or cold injuries (frostbite, passing out in the heat)
      • Pregnancy related problems
      • Sick person (flu, covid, vomiting, etc.)
      • Stroke (sudden weakness in arm/hand/leg, trouble speaking, drooping face)
      • Other (free type)
  • (1/3) How prepared do you feel to handle this scenario?
      • Confident
      • Ok
      • Not at all
  • (1/3) On average, how many times a year do you encounter this complaint?
  • (1/3) Have you been trained to handle this complaint?
      • Yes
      • No
  • (1/3)Would you like additional training on this complaint?
      • Yes
      • No
  • What medical complaint(s) are you most concerned about having to respond to?
      • (Free text)
  • If you have encountered the scenario you indicated above, how many times a year do you see this? (If less than once a year, indicate 0)
      • (Free text)
  • What level of medical training are you currently certified in? (Select all that apply)
      • First Aid/CPR  
      • Stop the bleed
      • Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
      • Vermont EMS First Responder (VEFR)
      • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
      • Emergency Medical Technition Basic (EMT-B)
      • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
      • Paramedic
      • Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)
      • Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)
      • Other (Free Text)
  • Have you received any additional medical training since graduating from the police academy?
      • Yes (Briefly describe the training you have received since the academy.)
      • No
  • Are you a member of a special response or high-risk team? eg SWAT
      • Yes
      • No
  • What medical equipment do you carry on your person while on shift?(Select all that apply)
      • crowbar* (Hidden answer for bots)
      • Tourniquet (CAT)
      • Narcan (naloxone)
      • Wound packing material (gauze, quikclot)
      • Chest seal (occlusion dressing)
      • Needle for decompression (Spear, ARS)
      • Other (Describe the other equipment you carry?)
      • none
  • What medical equipment do you have in your work  vehicle? (Select all that apply)
      • Tourniquet (CAT)
      • Narcan (naloxone)
      • Wound packing material (gauze, Quikclot)
      • Chest seal (occlusive dressing)
      • Needle for decompression (Spear, ARS)
      • Other (Describe the other equipment in your vehicle.)
      • violin* (Hidden answer for Bots)
      • none
  • Do you have any other thoughts to share about the medical training you receive or wish you had received?
      • (Free Text)
  • Please click yes if you would like to receive a gift card.
      • Yes
      • No
  • If you wish to enter to win a gift card, there will be a link you may click on after submitting the survey.
  • Please write a short poem here* (Hidden question for Bots)

 

Research Information Sheet (available for download to all respondents)

Title of Study: Common Medical Emergencies Encountered by Vermont Law Enforcement

Officers
Principal Investigator (PI): Nicholas Lang, M.D.
Faculty Sponsor: Douglas George, M.D.
Funder: Department of Emergency Medicine, Larner College of Medicine

Introduction
You are being invited to take part in this research study because you are a law enforcement officer in Vermont. This study is being conducted by Dr. Nicholas Lang at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

 

Purpose
This study is being conducted because little research currently exists that describes the types of medical emergencies law enforcement officers respond to. Of the research that exists, the majority samples large cities. Since law enforcement officers in rural areas are often the first on the scene of medical emergencies, we would like to know what types of emergencies they are seeing most often and if additional training is needed.

 

 

Study Procedures
If you take part in the study, you will be asked to complete a short, five-minute survey asking which medical emergencies you most often are the first responder on. Demographics about how long you have been in law enforcement, the approximate size of the largest city in your service area, and the type of department you work for will be collected in the beginning. You will then be prompted to list your top three automatically, but you have the option to put up to five if you feel possible. For every type of emergency, you will be asked to rate your confidence in handling the emergency and if you would like additional training in this area. Lastly, you will be prompted to answer a few yes or no questions about additional training you may have received.

 

Benefits
As a participant in this research study, there may be no direct benefits to you; however, information from this study will help shape future law enforcement medical training.

 

Risks
We will not collect any information that will identify you in combination with your survey responses, to protect your confidentiality. You will have the option to provide your email if you wish to be entered to win a gift card, but it will not be stored with your survey response.

 

Costs
There will be no costs to you for participation in this research study.

 

 

Compensation
For taking part in this research study, you will be reimbursed for your time and inconvenience. As a participant in this research study, you will have the opportunity to enter a raffle to win one of 25 $10 Amazon Gift Cards. Drawings will be conducted on May 31st and June 28thth 2024. To receive the gift card, you will be required to fill out a separate form with your department email. You will be required to provide your name and address each time you receive a payment. You will also be requested to provide your social security number if the amount of the payment is $100 or if the total payments from UVM are equal to or greater than $600 in a calendar year. If you are not a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, you will be required to complete additional paperwork including your immigration status for payment. This information will be strictly confidential and will be used for tax withholding and reporting purposes only and will allow the University to determine your US residency for federal income tax purposes Confidentiality
All information collected during the course of this study will be stored without any identifiers. No one will be able to match you to your answers. At the end of the survey, you will be asked for some information about yourself that will be used for purposes of providing reimbursement. Information gathered for this purpose will be stored separately from your survey.

 

Voluntary Participation/Withdrawal
Taking part in this study is voluntary. You are free to not answer any questions or stop the survey at any time. You may choose not to take part in this study. Since any information you provide is anonymous, your data cannot be withdrawn from the study after you click submit, and the data will be used.

 

Questions
If you have any questions about this study now or in the future, you may contact Dr. Nicholas Lang at the following phone number (802) 847-8174. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, then you may contact the Director of
the Research Protections Office at (802) 656-5040. It is recommended you print this information sheet for your records before continuing.

Survey now closed, data review in progress