Tip: Be mindful of your response when helping an injured officer

If you find yourself involved with supporting an injured officer, particularly one who may be badly hurt, be very mindful of your expressions. Remember that your responses to the situation can play a critical role in that officer’s ability to get through the crisis.

This may seem obvious right now but in the heat of the moment, consciously remind yourself to avoid things like gasping, wincing, and barking for help in frantic tones. Panic can easily beget panic, but an aura of calm, focused, supportive resolve to help this officer get through the challenges of this injury — not matter how bad it appears to be — will bolster the kind of “I can survive anything!” attitude that has pulled many an officer through even the worst of nightmares.

About the author

Doug Wyllie is Editor in Chief of PoliceOne, responsible for setting the editorial direction of the website and managing the planned editorial features by our roster of expert writers. In addition to his editorial and managerial responsibilities, Doug has authored more than 500 feature articles and tactical tips on a wide range of topics and trends that affect the law enforcement community. Doug is a two-time (2011 and 2012) Western Publishing Association "Maggie Award" Finalist in the category of Best Regularly Featured Digital Edition Column. Doug is also a member of the Public Safety Writers Association and an Associate Member of the California Peace Officers' Association. Even in his "spare" time, he is active in his support for the law enforcement community, contributing his time and talents toward police-related charitable events as well as participating in force-on-force training, search-and-rescue training, and other scenario-based training designed to prepare cops for the fight they face every day on the street.

Read more articles by PoliceOne Editor in Chief Doug Wyllie by clicking here.

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