Washington State Correctional Officer Practice Exam

What should a correctional officer do in response to an inmate's medical emergency?

1. Ignore it and observe from afar

2. Call for medical assistance and provide first aid

3. Wait for another officer to handle it

4. Report the incident only after it’s resolved

The correct answer is: Call for medical assistance and provide first aid

In a situation involving an inmate's medical emergency, the appropriate course of action is to call for medical assistance and provide first aid. This response is crucial because the safety and health of inmates are paramount in correctional facilities. Immediate action helps to stabilize the situation and can significantly impact the outcome for the inmate. Calling for medical assistance ensures that trained health professionals are alerted quickly, which is vital in emergency situations where time can be a critical factor in the inmate's recovery. Providing first aid, if trained to do so, reflects a duty of care and can be life-saving while waiting for medical help to arrive. This immediate response fosters a safe environment, supports inmates' rights to medical care, and upholds the ethics expected from correctional officers. Taking action also demonstrates professionalism and adherence to standard operating procedures, which contribute to the overall functioning of a correctional facility.