To wonder why police were called to a person passed out in a park

[Angryparent78]

Surely it’s just a medical emergency

I don't think this is a new development. I remember my brother and I finding someone passed out in the street when we were teens and it was the police who attended first. As a PP said, they need to determine what has happened. Plus, if someone is lying on the ground or the grass, they may pose a danger to others (not because you'll trip over them but because they often respond violently when approached).

Was it in Scotland ? Police forces there carry Naloxone and can deal with some drug overdoses.

If someone is unconscious it would be classified as a high priority call for the ambulance service, C1 or possibly C2. Someone apparently passed out on a park bench would also get a police response, and if they got there first and felt they could deal (ie person did not need an ambulance) then that would be fine. Unfortunately someone "resting" post alcohol or drugs is not uncommon: well meaning bystanders don't want to approach if they suspect the person is drunk/drugged and will call 999 without trying to wake the person up (and quite right too).

I've known the nuclear police turn up to calls near me, purely because they were the nearest on patrol and are first aid trained, as are most other emergency services.

Why the hell would someone ask such a stupid question? Way too much time on your hands....

@lazylump72

Why the hell would someone ask such a stupid question? Way too much time on your hands....

If it's the OP I'm thinking of she has a bit of form for posting about things that the police shouldn't be doing.

Why wouldn't they? It's not necessarily a medical emergency. Why waste an urgent ambulance for someone who may be a drunk/asleep rather than someone having a heart attack.

Police can check and then call an ambulance if needed.

If you see someone unconscious in the park you have no idea if it’s a medical emergency. Police attend to ascertain what the situation is and call in medical help if required.

The vast majority of people unconscious in public places are homeless or drunk and an ambulance won’t do much for them. Police may not do much for them either but they can at least stop an ambulance being sent and so make it more likely an ambulance is available for someone who does need it. Sometimes the police presence is less for the unconscious person and more for the rest of society - public drunkenness and drug use being crimes with a hugely detrimental impact on public spaces.

@BeenAsFarAsMercyAndGrand

To rule out foul play.

She said passed out, not dead!

Someone can be passed out due to foul play! A punch to the head, for example.

Well yes, but that wouldn't be the reason for sending police rather than ambulance. "NO, no medical treatment for you until you pick him out of a lineup! I don't care if you can see a bright light, just move away from it until we can nail the bastard."

Well yes, but that wouldn't be the reason for sending police rather than ambulance

Where did it say "rather than"?

As I found out a few weeks ago... an ambulance can take over five hours to attend.
A drunk in a park will not be a priority.

The police can section somebody too. So they’ve been first on the scene with me on two occasions when I’ve been psychotic. I wouldn’t have voluntarily gone in an ambulance as I believed I was fine so the police forced my hand so to speak.

When I collapsed due to a medical emergency, the police arrived first. It took over two hours for paramedics to arrive as they were so busy, and although the police couldn't help medically, they did contact my family and give me some protection as people were stepping over me or trying to film me. I will always be incredibly grateful to them and they helped a lot with the logistics of getting me to the ambulance. I never thought to question why they were there, I was just glad they were as they really helped the situation

@JesusInTheCabbageVan
”Well yes, but that wouldn't be the reason for sending police rather than ambulance. "NO, no medical treatment for you until you pick him out of a lineup! I don't care if you can see a bright light, just move away from it until we can nail the bastard."”

Wow. Super ignorant.

If police were called to someone knocked out by an assault they do not make them do a line up before rendering aid.

Their primary concerns would be to administer first aid and provide assistance until an ambulance could get there. To ensure the safety of the public if there was ongoing risk. And (down the list a bit) to preserve evidence both at the scene and any on the victim (witnesses, a weapon, forensics, etc.).

In case the person was drunk and incapable/disorderly.
Why call an ambulance because someone is drunk?
Why assume it's a medical emergency or they are drunk?
Unless you're going to help myob.

Vulnerable person/ welfare check

Is the OP coming back?

@NumberTheory would you describe yourself as comfortable with humour, as a rule?

If it is suspicious the police will attend first, similarly if there is a tense environment the police will accompany emergency services.