If you encounter a person in distress during a shift and you are not transporting inmates, what should you do first?

• A. Do not render aid; report later.
• B. Stop to render aid if you are not transporting inmates.
• C. Notify the Communications Center only if there is additional danger.
• D. Call emergency services and leave the scene.

Answer: (B)

When someone is in distress, the priority is to stop and render aid right away. If you’re on a shift and you’re not transporting inmates, you’re expected to provide immediate assistance to the person in need, as long as it’s safe to do so. This quick, first response can stabilize the situation while you arrange for further help if needed.

After you begin assisting, you should call for emergency services or notify the appropriate center as required by policy, rather than delaying aid to report later. Leaving the scene or waiting to act is not appropriate when someone needs help now. The idea is to intervene immediately to help, and then coordinate additional support as needed.