This is Part 3 of a three-part online interpersonal perspectives course on Substance Use, Behavior, and Medical Emergencies. This lesson provides officers with critical information about medical conditions sometimes producing odd behavior or mistaken for intoxication so officers can make more informed decisions, reduce reaction time, obtain appropriate medical care, and improve the outcome of many of these encounters.

Where possible, the lesson includes examples from lawsuits alleging officers used excessive force against a person with one of the serious medical conditions described in the lesson or were deliberately indifferent to a serious medical condition. It is beyond the scope of this lesson to provide first aid instructions.

Section seven defines traumatic brain injury (TBI), explains common causes of TBI, identifies when law enforcement officers might encounter a person with a TBI, and identifies potential effects of TBI. The lesson also lists danger signs of TBI that indicate a person needs immediate medical attention. It also provides case study examples.

Section eight explains the types of stroke, signs of stroke, methods for identifying stroke, and provides a video of a person experiencing a stroke. It also provides case study examples.

Section nine addresses hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. It defines hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, identifies symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and explains an appropriate law enforcement response to persons with hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. It also provides case study examples.

Section ten defines epilepsy and explains how law enforcement officers can help a person experiencing a seizure while waiting for medical care.

Section eleven addresses other medical emergencies, including heart attack, heat stroke, breathing emergencies, and sepsis. It also provides case study examples.

Iowa Legal Update Lesson Index