2019 Revised Code of Washington
Title 36 - Counties
Chapter 36.28A - Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
36.28A.445 Duty to render first aid—Development of guidelines.

RCW 36.28A.445 Duty to render first aid—Development of guidelines.

(1) It is the policy of the state of Washington that all law enforcement personnel must provide or facilitate first aid such that it is rendered at the earliest safe opportunity to injured persons at a scene controlled by law enforcement.

(2) Within one year after December 6, 2018, the Washington state criminal justice training commission, in consultation with the Washington state patrol, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, organizations representing state and local law enforcement officers, health providers and/or health policy organizations, tribes, and community stakeholders, shall develop guidelines for implementing the duty to render first aid adopted in this section. The guidelines must: (a) Adopt first aid training requirements; (b) address best practices for securing a scene to facilitate the safe, swift, and effective provision of first aid to anyone injured in a scene controlled by law enforcement or as a result of law enforcement action; and (c) assist agencies and law enforcement officers in balancing the many essential duties of officers with the solemn duty to preserve the life of persons with whom officers come into direct contact.

[ 2019 c 4 § 2. Prior: 2019 c 1 § 6 (Initiative Measure No. 940); (2018 c 11 § 6 (Initiative Measure No. 940) repealed by 2019 c 4 § 8); (2018 c 10 § 2 repealed by 2019 c 4 § 8).]

NOTES:

Effective date—2019 c 4: See note following RCW 43.101.455.

Short title—Intent—Liberal construction—Subject—2019 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 940): See notes following RCW 43.101.450.

Rule making—2019 c 4; 2019 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 940): See note following RCW 43.101.455.