No questions regarding possible violence, and no display of sympathy should be made until after the victim is in the ambulance and away from the perpetrator. Violence may be directed toward the EMS personnel, particularly if the perpetrator perceives that too much empathy is being directed toward the victim. It has been suggested that EMS personnel do not have enough training in the management of violence. 6 Such training is essential when dealing with domestic violence, and educational programs should include scene assessment, management of violence and, possibly, self-defense. Support for such provisions is strongly encouraged.
Domestic violence is a crime.
Therefore, the scene must be treated as a crime scene, and standard precautions regarding preservation of evidence should be exercised. Training in these techniques by law enforcement personnel is beneficial. Documentation should be comprehensive and exact. History obtained from the victim, alleged perpetrator and witnesses should be recorded. When possible, the victims own words should be used.