Non-Fatal Strangulation & Intimate Partner Violence training Oct. 3

For immediate release: Sept. 4, 2019

Non-Fatal Strangulation & Intimate Partner Violence:
Best Practice Response for First Responders and Medical Personnel

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office is offering a training for emergency dispatchers, EMS, paramedics and medical first responders on how to respond to non-fatal strangulation in cases of intimate partner violence, Thursday, Oct. 3 at Hadley Farms Meeting House.

Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence. Unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes.

When a victim is strangled by an intimate partner, that victim is seven times more likely to be killed by that same intimate partner. An abusive partner literally has control over the victim’s next breath and can inflict devastating physical and psychological effects as well as a potentially fatal outcome.

“Strangulation is the ultimate form of power and control in an intimate partner relationship,” Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan said.

Daniel Batsie, Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the Vermont Department of Health, will present the 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. training. Batsie has more than 29 years of experience as a paramedic, has directed two accredited paramedic programs, authored two EMS textbooks, and has lectured both nationally and internationally on current EMS topics.

“It’s critical for dispatchers, EMS and hospital emergency department staff to be trained in all aspects of strangulation in order to recognize the predominant signs and symptoms and to utilize the most effective best practice response,” said Mary Kociela, Director of Domestic & Sexual Violence Projects for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.

Registration is currently open with priority given to EMS, paramedics, dispatchers and other emergency responders in the Northwestern District (Franklin/Hampshire Counties and the town of Athol).

Click here to register.