In EMS we must do the hard work to better understand sudden death in custody. A key priority is having EMS leadership at multiple levels make the issues related to sudden death in custody a priority. The issues requiring focus include not only EMS protocols and training, but also the implicit bias that is intertwined with this topic.
EMS leadership focus is needed at all levels, including:
State-Level Leadership
State EMS Coordinating Boards
State EMS Bureaus
Agency Level Leadership
Initiate conversations with law enforcement
Support training
Acknowledge implicit bias
Medical Director Leadership
Creating expectations
Providing training