Associated Press Publishes Report Detailing How American Police Killed 94 Individuals Via Ketamine Or Midazolam Injections!

Med News: The practice of administering sedatives to individuals detained by police has quietly spread across the United States over the past decade and a half. This approach, aimed at reducing violence and ensuring rapid medical treatment, has come under scrutiny due to questionable scientific foundations and tragic outcomes. An investigation by the Associated Press, in collaboration with Frontline (PBS) and the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University that is covered in this Med News report reveals concerning patterns in the use of sedatives such as ketamine and midazolam by law enforcement personnel in the United States.
https://apnews.com/article/investigation-police-use-of-force-sedation-injections-demetrio-jackson-621909ba7491abc2af8ad2e33ba3415b
 

Associated Press Publishes Report Detailing How American Police Killed
94 Individuals Via Ketamine Or Midazolam Injections

Deaths Linked to Sedatives and Police Restraint
Between 2012 and 2021, at least 94 individuals died after receiving sedatives and being restrained by police. These deaths, comprising nearly 10% of over 1,000 documented fatalities during police encounters, raise significant concerns about the safety and appropriateness of such practices. The injection of sedatives, often coupled with other forms of restraint, has led to cardiac and respiratory arrest, particularly among individuals who were already in distress due to drug use or alcohol consumption.
 
Racial Disparities and Excited Delirium
A troubling aspect highlighted by the investigation is the disproportionate impact on Black individuals, who accounted for about half of the deaths related to sedative use by police. The concept of "excited delirium," a disputed medical condition associated with heightened aggression and altered mental states, has been criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes and influencing biased decisions regarding sedation. Guidelines meant to govern the use of sedatives may have been applied inconsistently, leading to unnecessary and potentially fatal injections.
 
The Role of Law Enforcement and Medical Personnel
In several cases, law enforcement officers have been implicated in influencing or requesting the administration of sedatives, raising questions about the independence of medical decisions during police encounters. Paramedics, tasked with assessing the need for sedation, sometimes administered drugs without adequate consideration of a person's medical condition or level of agitation. This convergence of law enforcement and medical intervention has blurred ethical boundaries and contributed to tragic outcomes.
 
History and Evolution of Sedative Use
The history and evolution of sedative use in law enforcement settings reveal a complex interplay of medical practices, law enforcement s trategies, and societal perceptions. Two primary sedatives, ketamine and midazolam, have gained prominence in recent years, each with its own trajectory and controversies.
 
Ketamine: From Medical Anesthesia to Street Sedation
Ketamine, initially developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, gained widespread acceptance in medical settings for its rapid onset and relative safety profile. Its use in emergency medicine and trauma care became well-established, demonstrating efficacy in managing pain and agitation.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ketamine-injection-route/description/drg-20075559
 
However, the transition of ketamine from a controlled medical substance to a tool for law enforcement outside hospital settings marked a significant shift. The early 2000s witnessed a growing concern among law enforcement agencies about the risks associated with physical restraint and the need for alternative methods to subdue agitated individuals safely.
 
It was reported that Dr John Hick's from Hennepin County Medical Center was the person to initiate the pioneering use in Minneapolis, where ketamine was first used outside hospitals to calm a distressed individual on a highway bridge, set a precedent. This event laid the groundwork for protocols that encouraged law enforcement officers to view encounters with agitated individuals through a medical lens, emphasizing rapid sedation and transportation to medical facilities.
 
The spread of ketamine use among emergency medical responders outside hospital settings accelerated with the endorsement of the American College of Emergency Physicians in 2009. The college's recognition of excited delirium as a medical emergency further fueled the adoption of sedative protocols, with ketamine emerging as a preferred option due to its perceived efficacy and safety.

However, concerns soon arose regarding the appropriateness of ketamine use in non-medical settings and its potential for misuse or overuse. Instances where ketamine was administered without proper medical assessment or consent raised ethical questions about the boundaries between medical treatment and law enforcement tactics.
 
Midazolam: From Pre-Surgery Sedation to Police Encounters
Midazolam, a benzodiazepine with sedative and hypnotic properties, has a long history in medical practice as a pre-surgery medication and for managing anxiety and seizures. Its use in controlled medical settings is well-documented, with established protocols for dosage and monitoring.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/drugs/midazolam-injection
 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/midazolam-injection-route/description/drg-20064813
 
In recent years, midazolam's role expanded beyond traditional medical contexts to include its use by law enforcement personnel during police encounters. The rationale behind this shift was to rapidly calm agitated individuals and mitigate potential risks of violence or harm to themselves or others.
 
The adoption of midazolam in police protocols mirrored the broader trend of medicalizing law enforcement responses to behavioral emergencies. The concept of excited delirium, though controversial and debated within medical circles, provided a framework for justifying the use of sedatives like midazolam in situations deemed high-risk or volatile.
 
However, midazolam's use in police encounters has come under scrutiny due to concerns about its potential side effects, especially when combined with other factors such as drug intoxication or physical restraint. Reports of adverse reactions, including respiratory depression and cardiac complications, underscored the need for careful consideration and medical oversight in its administration.
 
The history of midazolam's transition from a standard medical sedative to a tool for law enforcement highlights the complexities of balancing medical ethics, patient safety, and law enforcement objectives. The challenges in ensuring proper training, informed consent, and independent oversight underscore the ongoing debates surrounding sedative use in police encounters.
 
Controversies and Criticisms
Both ketamine and midazolam have faced controversies and criticisms regarding their use in law enforcement contexts. Concerns about racial disparities, inappropriate administration without proper medical assessment, and the potential for adverse reactions have fueled debates within medical and legal communities.
 
The disproportionate impact of sedative use on Black individuals, as highlighted by the investigative report, reflects broader societal issues related to systemic biases and disparities in healthcare and law enforcement. The reliance on subjective assessments of risk and the lack of standardized protocols for sedative administration have raised questions about accountability and transparency.
 
The history and evolution of sedative use underscore the need for evidence-based practices, ethical guidelines, and comprehensive training for both medical personnel and law enforcement officers. The intersection of medical ethics, legal considerations, and social justice requires a nuanced approach that prioritizes patient welfare, informed consent, and equitable treatment for all individuals.
 
As discussions continue on the role of sedatives in police encounters, ongoing research, public awareness, and policy reforms are essential to address the complexities and challenges associated with sedative use outside medical settings. The investigative report's findings serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and action towards ensuring responsible and ethical practices in law enforcement responses to behavioral emergencies.
 
Risks of Sedative Administration
Critics argue that the use of sedatives in police encounters poses significant risks, including respiratory depression and cardiac complications, especially when combined with physical restraint. The investigation highlights instances where sedation was administered unnecessarily or inappropriately, contributing to adverse outcomes. Medical experts caution against the overreliance on sedatives as a solution to behavioral emergencies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive risk assessments and consent-based medical care.
 
Ethical and Legal Implications
The ethical implications of sedative use by law enforcement extend beyond medical considerations to questions of consent, accountability, and racial justice. Cases where individuals were sedated against their will or without proper medical justification underscore broader systemic issues within policing and healthcare. Legal frameworks governing the use of force and medical interventions in law enforcement settings require closer examination and reform to prevent further harm and ensure equitable treatment for all individuals.
 
The Role of Excited Delirium
The concept of excited delirium, often invoked to justify the use of sedatives, has faced increasing skepticism from medical experts and advocacy groups. Originally proposed to explain sudden deaths in agitated individuals, excited delirium has been criticized for lacking scientific rigor and for its potential to perpetuate racial biases. The reliance on excited delirium as a diagnostic framework has led to contentious debates within medical and legal circles, prompting calls for its reevaluation and reformulation.
 
Challenges in Oversight and Accountability
One of the significant challenges highlighted by the investigation is the lack of comprehensive oversight and accountability regarding sedative use by police. Medical personnel involved in these incidents are often shielded from public scrutiny, and investigations into sedative-related deaths may focus primarily on law enforcement actions rather than medical decisions. This imbalance in accountability raises questions about transparency, trust, and the need for independent review mechanisms to ensure the ethical and appropriate use of sedatives in law enforcement settings.
 
Calls for Reform and Public Awareness
In light of the findings, calls for reforming policies regarding sedative use by police have intensified. Advocates for criminal justice reform and medical ethics advocate for stricter guidelines, independent oversight, and enhanced training to address the risks associated with sedation during police encounters. Public awareness and transparency regarding these practices are crucial steps towards fostering accountability and preventing future tragedies.
 
Conclusion
The intersection of law enforcement and healthcare in the context of sedative use reflects broader societal challenges in balancing public safety, individual rights, and medical ethics. The investigative report by the Associated Press underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms, informed by evidence-based practices and guided by principles of equity and justice. As discussions continue on the role of sedatives in police encounters, a concerted effort is required to ensure that medical interventions prioritize patient welfare and uphold ethical standards in all circumstances.
 
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