Police use tourniquets, other first aid gear, to provide help ahead of paramedics

When Pasco Police officers fired shots during a domestic violence call over the weekend,  those same officers were also the first to treat the suspect, who had been hit by several bullets.

Sgt. David Allen with the Pasco Police Department says officers used wound compresses and tourniquets to control bleeding before paramedics arrived.

"Us carrying wound compresses and tourniquets is a fairly new development. We've been doing that for the last few years," said Allen. "Prior to that it was fairly rare, but now we all have them."

Allen says officers used three tourniquets following Saturday night's officer-involved shooting. The 31-year old suspect was shot several times, and officers provided first aid, using wound compresses and tourniquets.

"He needed three tourniquets, we had three tourniquets available," Allen said. The suspect was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery. He is expected to recover.

Police officers with the Kennewick and Richland Police Departments also carry tourniquets as part of their standard equipment.