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Regina Police Service adds 2 full-time paramedics to detention unit

Regina police say paramedics will help to ensure people in their care and custody have immediate access to medical professionals when needed. File / Global News

The Regina Police Service is adding two full-time paramedics to its detention unit to help provide immediate medical attention to those in custody.

Police say the paramedics are working alternating 12-hour night shifts, which are usually the busiest time of day.

“Being able to look after the medical/physical needs of those in our custody compliments the mental health services we already provide through the police and crisis team,” Regina police said in a press release on Tuesday.

“Having a primary care paramedic on hand in the detention unit allows for immediate treatment and assessment, and also provides a starting point to connect people with the ongoing medical care they may not have had otherwise.”

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“This initiative will also reduce the amount of time officers spend waiting at the hospital with those in their custody, keeping those officers available for calls out on the street.”

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Police say they are hoping to expand the service to 24 hours a day sometime in the future.

All Regina police officers have basic first aid training.

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