Video RN screaming, dragged into police car d/t refused blood draw on unconscious patient!

Updated:   Published

Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.

July 31 2017, guy fleeing police crosses median and slams into truck and dies. The truck catches fire severely burning the innocent driver, Mr. Gray, who was taken to SLC University. Police later showed up demanding to the UNCONSCIOUS innocent patient's blood. RN Alex shows them the policy requiring consent, arrest, or a warrant. Hospital administration back up RN Alex.

Police aggressively arrest RN Alex and removes her from the hospital. Officer body cam insanity released today:

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE:

Video shows Utah nurse screaming, being dragged into police car after refusing to let officer take blood from unconscious victim - The Salt Lake Tribune

Long video body cam:

In this video, the aggressive officer can be heard saying that he will ensure all the "transients" are brought to this hospitals ED since they won't cooperate after being told the administrators and privacy officer are on their way.

Original Crash (graphic):

Interesting note about Alex, she was a 2x Olympian, US Ski Team member, and national champion is Slalom and GS.

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A nurse says she was assaulted and illegally arrested by a Salt Lake City police detective for following a hospital policy that does not allow blood draws from unconscious patients.

Video shows Utah nurse screaming, being dragged into police car after refusing to let officer take blood from unconscious victim - The Salt Lake Tribune

What kind of world are we living in that we're at risk for being arrested for doing the right thing? I'm wondering why no management or supervisors stepped in for this situation. This is not my home state, but I'm pretty sure that the law is the same when it comes to consent. Anyone else able to shed some light on this situation? This is terrible that she was treated that way. I can't imagine. :no:

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Threads merged

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I just read this story in the Washington Post and it horrified me. That nurse was doing exactly what we are all taught to do: protect the patient. She was exactly right and knew the law, unlike the police. I came to AN to express my support for her. I'd call her "my hero" (and she is), but I'll bet she would say she was just doing her job. Sister, we nurses have your back. This is an outrage!

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I expected this to be all over the message boards. Anyone else following this story? I hope the hospital has her back and I am wondering if the facility is covering her legal expense.

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Specializes in Gerontology.

What is a SLC nurse?

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SLC= Salt Lake City

'This is crazy': Nurse arrested for doing her job

The police were trying to take a blood sample from an unconscious patient who was involved in a MVC. She explained to the officers that unless they had a warrant, the patient was under arrest, or the patient gave consent, she could not allow them to draw blood from the patient. The officers arrested her.

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I would love to hear responses from the law enforcement side. This is just so crazy!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

The brief story I read online implied that the hospital security people did nothing at the time to help her. I hate to say it ... but if I were her, I'd be talking to an attorney and preparing for a couple of lawsuits -- against the police AND against the hospital that didn't help her. (unless those people step up "big time" now)

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I'm not particularly litigious but I would sooooo get an attorney!!!!

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Specializes in PICU.

Great job to her for being an advocate for the patient and ensuring the policy is adhered to. Her leadersip and attention to details and due process is amazing.

From the article it does appear that her employer has her back, at least I hope so.

She is right, an unconsious patient still has rights

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xhsx said:
A nurse says she was assaulted and illegally arrested by a Salt Lake City police detective for following a hospital policy that does not allow blood draws from unconscious patients.

Video shows Utah nurse screaming, being dragged into police car after refusing to let officer take blood from unconscious victim - The Salt Lake Tribune

What kind of world are we living in that we're at risk for being arrested for doing the right thing? I'm wondering why no management or supervisors stepped in for this situation. This is not my home state, but I'm pretty sure that the law is the same when it comes to consent. Anyone else able to shed some light on this situation? This is terrible that she was treated that way. I can't imagine. :no:

In the video you can hear her on the phone with her supervisor - he backs her up verbally and then tells the police officer that he shouldn't threaten a nurse, which is when the police officer totally freaks out.

Not sure why no one else stepped in (physically). Perhaps they were worried about potentially escalated the situation further?

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