Knowledge and Understanding of Nonthaburi Emergency Medical Service Personnel for the Protection of Crime Scene and Forensic Evidence

Abstract

This research aimed to study the knowledge, understanding, problems and obstacles and provide suggestions and propose guidelines for the correct and suitable instructions for Nonthaburi emergency medical service personnel for the protection of crime scene and forensic evidence. This study combined qualitative and quantitative research. The data were collected from self-reported questionnaires completed by 292 Nonthaburi emergency medical service officers and in-depth interviews of ten people. The statistical methods were frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The results showed that the majority of the sample group had a high level of knowledge and understanding about the protection of crime scene and forensic evidence (mean = 3.11). When considering each aspect, it was found that the most practiced responsibility is to go to the scene immediately when notified (mean = 3.52). When entering the scene, they wear protective equipment to prevent infection (mean = 3.47). Lastly, in the case of finding a body at the scene, personnel can maintain the original condition of the body and suggest to the relatives that they do not disturb the body until police or other authorities have arrived (mean = 3.37). There are four main problems and personnel obstacles: 1) Personnel do not have knowledge, expertise or experience about the on scene care for the protection of crime scene and forensic evidence; 2) There is a lack of expenditure for support from major agencies; 3) There is a lack of tools, directions for tools and knowledge for using tools; and 4) There is not cooperation from patients, relatives and witnesses at the scene. Suggestions and proposed guidelines for the correct and suitable instructions for Nonthaburi emergency medical service personnel for the protection of crime scene and forensic evidence are divided into three steps. 1) The first step is preparation: prepare the team for speed and safety. 2) The second step is on scene care: wear protective equipment to prevent infection; avoid acts that destroy evidence;  if there is a patient, the person should be transported first and a detailed record should be made later; and if a body is found at the scene, the original condition of the body should be maintained.  3) The third step is care in transit: collect and record evidence found during the treatment on the EMS record form and inform the emergency room nurses.