Policy Bulletin 707
Number: 707
In effect: 2024-03-25
Related documents
Why was the policy changed
Following policy gaps identified by several Boards of Investigation, the Incident Investigation Branch has recommended modifications to Guidelines 800-4 to enhance clarity and highlight the requirement to follow professional practice standards.
What has changed
The phrase “applicable to their CSC functions” (referring to the certification and training of non-Health Services staff) has been added to paragraphs 3 and 4.
The following sentence has been added to paragraph 4: In the case of strangulation with use of a ligature/hanging, staff shall cut and remove the ligature from the patient while, when possible, preserving the knot as potential evidence.
Paragraph 6 has been amended as follows (words in bold have been added): The decision to discontinue CPR/first aid, and pronouncement of death, can be made only by authorized Health Services staff (e.g., institutional Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Nurses, consistent with their professional practice standards) or by the ambulance service.
Commissioner's Directive 568-4 Preservation of crime scenes and evidence and Commissioner's Directive 567 Management of incidents have been added to the list of cross‑references in annex A.
How was the policy developed
These changes were developed by Health Services in collaboration with the Strategic Policy Division. No formal consultations were done due to the technical nature of these changes.
Who will be affected by the policy
All CSC staff, as applicable.
Other impacts
n/a