Metropolitan Police Executive Order on Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries PDF

EXECUTIVE ORDER Subject: Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries Number...

EXECUTIVE ORDER Subject: Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries Number EO-23-001 Effective Date January 30, 2023 Related to GO-PER-100.11 (Medical Services) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA I. PURPOSE Due to the unpredictable and physical nature of police work, officers are at a higher risk of work-related physical injuries that could result in a concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), due to activities including, but not limited to, restraining non- compliant suspects, vehicle and bicycle crashes, assaults, impact with objects or equipment, trips and falls, or other traumatic injuries. The purpose of this executive order is to announce procedures for the identification, reporting, and treatment for sworn members who sustain head injuries while on duty. II. PROCEDURES A. Concussions/TBIs are blows or jolts to the head or neck or penetrating head injuries that disrupt the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head or neck result in a concussion/TBI. The severity of such an injury may range from “mild” (i.e., a brief change in consciousness) to “severe” (i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). A concussion/TBI may result in short or long-term effects. Symptoms of concussions/TBIs include: Potential Concussion/TBI Symptoms Anxiety Impaired judgement Balance problems Memory problems Brain fog Nausea Concentration problems Noise or light sensitivity Depression Personality changes Disorientation or confusion Sleep problems Dizziness Tinnitus (i.e., ringing in the ears) Excessive fatigue Vision changes Headache B. Members who observe an officer who may have sustained a head or neck injury with or without loss of consciousness shall notify an official. C. Sworn members who suffer an on or off-duty head or neck injury with or without loss of consciousness shall report the injury to an official and report to the Police and Fire Clinic (PFC) in accordance with GO-PER-100.11 (Medical Services) for concussion/TBI screening and medical evaluation. CONCUSSIONS AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (EO-23-001) PAGE 2 OF 2 D. Officials shall ask members if they have sustained a head or neck injury when they are assaulted, involved in a vehicle or bicycle crash, fall, or are involved in other incidents where the official believes there is the potential for a concussion/TBI. Officials shall ensure members report to the PFC for concussion/TBI screening: Referrals to MSD 1. After witnessing or being told by the member or other person that the member may have sustained a head or neck injury. 2. After observing a possible head or neck injury on a body-worn camera (BWC) recording. E. Officials shall promptly notify the PFC (202-854-7731 or via email to [email protected]) of any members referred for concussion/TBI screening. Robert J. Contee III Chief of Police RJC:KDO:MOC:BA:BK DIRECTIVE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS Amendment # Page Description of Change Effective Date Name and Title of Authorizing of Change Member 1 2 The first referral to MSD 2/6/23 Maureen O’Connell, Director, referred to a member Policy and Standards Branch having “sustained a head or head injury.” It now reads “sustained a head or neck injury.”