On-Duty Injury Reporting Policy

• This policy outlines procedures for investigating and reporting incidents where department employees are injured or become ill on duty.
• The well-being and availability of all personnel are critical to the department.
• Employees must immediately inform the department of circumstances that hurt their health while on duty.
• IC 36-8-4-5 provides for the care of police officers and firefighters injured or contracting illnesses in the line of duty.

Employee Responsibilities for On-Duty Injuries

• If medically feasible, an injured employee must immediately contact their supervisor, report the incident, seek advice, and fill out required reports.
• Required reports include: (1) "Spillman Report," (2) "City of Fort Wayne Accident/Injury Investigation Report," and (3) Infectious Disease Exposure Report (if necessary).
• If it's not medically feasible for the officer to report the injury, the supervisor investigating the incident will complete the required reports.

Risk Management Reporting for Vehicle Accidents

• Contact the dispatcher immediately after being involved in an accident.
• Complete the City of Fort Wayne Accident/Injury Investigation Report.
• Take the vehicle to the City Garage at 1705 S. Lafayette St. within 24 hours of the accident.
• Provide the City Garage with the Control Number and identify vehicle damage.
• Supervisors must collect all reports and forward copies to the Fort Wayne Police Department Fleet Manager.

Protocol for Workplace/On-Duty Injuries

• Report all workplace injuries or exposures immediately to a supervisor or command officer.
• Have a supervisor complete the City of Fort Wayne Accident/Injury Investigation Report and forward it to the Chief's Office.
• For exposures and non-life-threatening injuries, go to Business Health Clinic.
• All follow-up visits must be conducted through the system that provided the initial care.

Supervisor's Responsibilities

• Ensure the employee's needs are met and investigate all facts concerning the incident if possible.
• Ensure the injured employee is treated as soon as possible at the nearest hospital, emergency room, or Business Health Clinic.
• Investigate the incident and:
• Assign a case control number.
• Determine all facts and circumstances involved.
• Inspect the location where the incident occurred.
• Interview the injured employee and all witnesses, recording names and addresses.
• Take digital images of any visible injuries, if possible.
• Assemble all medical reports and opinions in the investigative report, obtaining medical release forms
• Note in the report if the injury or illness is a recurrence of a previously reported incident, referencing the prior complaint control number.

Supervisor's Incident Report Requirements

• Include the Report Complaint Control Number.

• Include the Employee Name/Rank/Title.

• Include the Date/Time/Location of Incident.

• Include a Brief description of the injury sustained.

• The Supervisor will notify Communications to contact the on-call Risk Management employee.

Commander of the Day (COD) Responsibilities

• The COD will make entries in the log, noting the Injured on Duty incident with a brief description, date, time, and complaint control number.
• If the injury or illness requires hospitalization, the COD will make all appropriate notifications.

General Illness Exposure Guidelines

• The Fort Wayne Police Department's Exposure Control Plan (ECP) provides the strategy for limiting exposure to BBPs and other infectious agents responding to potential exposure incidents.
• The plan is available for review by all members through their immediate supervisor.
• All provisions of FWPD SOP PD98-0109, “Prevention of Bloodborne Diseases,” apply.

Exposure Control Plan (ECP)

• The ECP outlines procedures for when a Fort Wayne Police Department employee is exposed to a potentially life-threatening infectious disease.
• An initial investigation will be conducted, and the employee notified of the findings within 48 hours, with advice on any subsequent treatment.

Procedures for Exposure to Illnesses or Diseases

• If an employee suspects exposure to a life-threatening infectious disease, they must wash the area with soap and water and contact a supervisor.
• An initial medical evaluation should take place within one to two hours, if possible.
• The employee and supervisor will complete an “Infectious Disease Exposure” form.
• If the supervisor determines an actual exposure occurred, the "Exposure” form should be completed.
• Risk Management and Business Health will need the name and location of the source patient.
• If a blood sample is needed from the source patient, refer to Appendix A of this policy

Investigation

• BHS Case Manager will contact the employee to discuss the details of the exposure incident when known.
• BHS will contact the medical facility where the involved patient was transported/treated.
• BHS will notify the employee of the outcome and advise them of any subsequent treatment.
• Following a documented exposure, the department will provide confidential medical treatment and/or counseling.

Employees Testing Positive for Infectious Diseases

• Officers testing positive may continue to work if they maintain acceptable performance and do not pose a safety or health threat.
• The Fort Wayne Police Department will make all decisions concerning work status solely on medical opinions and advice.
• The department may require an employee to be examined by the department's health provider.
• All members of the Fort Wayne Police Department are to treat employees with a communicable disease fairly and courteously.

Record Keeping

• The Fort Wayne Police Department and Risk Management will maintain accurate records of occupational exposures, including vaccination status, tests, and healthcare provider opinions.
• These health care records will be kept secure with limited access for the member's employment plus 30 years. These records cannot be disclosed without the member's written consent.

Appendix A: Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Warrant Protocol

• If obtaining a blood sample from the source patient is necessary, an attempt to acquire consent from the source patient to obtain a blood specimen must be made.
• If the individual is not in custody and consent is given:
• Transport is offered to an approved medical facility.
• Risk Management on-call personnel are notified of the situation.
• The blood draw will be done at the City's expense.
• If the individual is in custody:
• Consent for a blood draw can be obtained at the hospital or jail.
• Risk Management on-call personnel are notified of the situation.
• If consent cannot be obtained, it is required to initiate the process of obtaining a warrant.
• If the source of the exposure is not in custody, do not detain them and post an officer on their property until the warrant has been completed.
• Obtaining a warrant should take no more than an hour.
• Complete the Search Warrant.

Warrant Execution

• Contact the “On-Call Judge” through Communications to coordinate the Judge's signature.
• The “Exposure Warrant” template can be found on the FWPD intranet under "Forms"
• Fill in Dialogue boxes (control number, affiant, suspect/info, officer involved etc...)
• Type PC where is says “Replace with Narrative”
• Print
• Sign as the “Affined”
• Obtain the Judge's signature.
• Coordinate with the Judge regarding method (fax, email, etc...)
• Make at least 3 copies.
• Search Warrant Affidavit.
• Search Warrant.
• Return (date and time, what was collected)
• The supervisor/officer present will complete the Return
• Coordinate with the on-call nurse to determine when, where, and by whom the blood draw will be done
• On call nurse will decide how the sample is handled
• Fill in the “Return” on each copy and distribute as listed:
• Leave a copy of the warrant with the source patient/suspect
• Forward two copies to Internal Affairs
• For questions or concerns during the process, contact a City Attorney.
• During business hours from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday contact:
• Carol Helton-427-1395
• Malak Heiny- 427-2339
• Outside of business hours contact:
• Carol Helton – 260-409-2543
• Malak Heiny – 260-515-9492