127 The Prevalence of Domestic Violence Reporting Among EMS Agencies in California

Abstract

California has 40 million inhabitants and the local EMS agencies set policy regarding DV reporting for the paramedics and EMTs within each county. It is unclear how many EMS agencies have written policies for DV reporting or even if there is unifying agreement about paramedics and EMTs being mandated reporters under California law. This was an IRB-approved survey sent by electronic methods to each of 31 local EMS agency medical directors in California to assess their policies and knowledge of California state law regarding mandated reporting by EMS personnel. 26 of 31 California EMS agencies responded (83.9% response rate). Of the 26 respondents, only 7 (26.9% [95% CI 11.6%-47.8%]) stated they have written policies/protocols for reporting suspected victims of domestic violence. 18 (69.2% [95% CI 48.2%-85.7%]) stated they had no protocols in place. One agency was ‘unsure.’ If a victim is not seen by law enforcement or transported, only 9 agencies stated those victims are reported to a law enforcement agency. Eight agencies stated they weren’t and 9 were ‘unsure.’ Of the medical directors, 19 (76% [95% CI 52.2%-88.4%]) stated paramedics were mandated reporters of DV in California, 5 (20% [95% CI 6.6%-39.4%]) were unsure and 1 (4% [95% CI 0.1%-9.6%])) said no. Fifteen respondents (60% 7 (26.9% [95% CI 11.6%-47.8%])) stated EMTs were mandated reporters, 7 (26.9% [95% CI 36.9%-76.6%]) were unsure and 3 (12% 7 [95% CI 2.4%-30.2%]) said no. There is wide variation in practice among EMS agencies in California regarding mandated reporting requirements. While most Medical Directors state there is a legislative requirement for Paramedics and EMTs to report Domestic Violence victims, only 7 agencies state they have protocols and policies in place for reporting. Only 9 agencies state the victims are reported to law enforcement if they are not transported (ie. sign out against medical advice).