Coalition Partnership with Emergency Medical Services for Domestic Violence Awareness Charity Smith, MPH, CHES, EMT-IV & Micky Roberts, MDiv, CHES

Knoxville, TN Population: 400, ,000 in Knox County 5 hospitals in area University of Tennessee Located in valley next to Smoky Mountains 15,000 reported domestic calls annually 2,500 Orders of Protection annually

EMS Services in Knoxville 82,000 calls for service annually Quarterly education days for employees Rural-Metro Corporation Knoxville Fire Department

Why consider EMS? Respond to location See patient’s environment Time alone with patient Multiple calls to residence

Coalition Initiatives Family Violence Helpline Coalition Co-Chair Ride alongs Encourage routine screening Safety Cards on all ambulances

Placards State EMS Board approval required An collaborative effort of coalition and Rural/Metro Corporation On all Rural-Metro ambulance and fire apparatus in county Only ambulance service in Tennessee with DV information on trucks Media Campaign with release of placards

Patient Screening Routine patient screening is encouraged unless patient meets one of these criteria: –Intoxicated or drug use –Oxygen dependent –Decreased level of consciousness –Decreased mental status

Screening Questions Within the past year, have you been hit, kicked, punched, or otherwise hurt by someone you know? Do you feel safe in your current relationship? Is there anyone from a prior relationship who is making you feel unsafe now? Adapted with permission from Keith Bradley, MD American College of Emergency Physicians

Response to initiative Law effective 7/2001 for mandatory DV training Increased calls to Helpline Employees in abusive relationships seek help Increased understanding about dynamics of DV Increased community awareness about resources Better continuity of care in the ED – know true etiology of symptoms Training hospital employees about DV

Family Violence Helpline Call: (865)