Be mindful of your response when helping an injured officer

If you find yourself involved with supporting an injured officer, particularly one who may be badly hurt, be very mindful of your expressions. Remember that your responses to the situation can play a critical role in that officer’s ability to get through the crisis.

This may seem obvious right now but in the heat of the moment, consciously remind yourself to avoid things like gasping, wincing, and barking for help in frantic tones. Panic can easily beget panic, but an aura of calm, focused, supportive resolve to help this officer get through the challenges of this injury — not matter how bad it appears to be — will bolster the kind of “I can survive anything!” attitude that has pulled many an officer through even the worst of nightmares.