Thursday, May 05, 2005

More Education Needed for Police Officers about Diabetes

This story amazes me - I understand they needed to use force but what about those guns that just zap you and knock you down? It seems they could have done something else. Education on this subject for officers that may come in contact with someone having a low blood sugar reaction would help. Talking a gun out of the hand of someone who doesn't know what they are doing in the first place is not going to work. Of course, he could have killed someone, I just think they could have done something else that didn't have to take his life. His wife did say he was having a low blood sugar reaction when she called.


Police: Appropriate Force Used To Shoot Man In Shock

Salida Police Had Little Option, Sheriff Says

POSTED: 8:13 am MDT May 3, 2005

SALIDA, Colo. -- A preliminary review found two officers acted with appropriate force when they shot and killed a retired corrections officer after his wife called 911 to report he was in diabetic shock.
Kenneth Clark, 60, who was described as a "pillar of the community," died early Sunday morning after a confrontation with two officers.
"It turned sour very quick and left them with little option," Chaffee County Sheriff Tim Walker said Monday.
Preliminary autopsy results were expected to be released Tuesday.
Officers Shane Garcia and Marc Morris, who were involved in the shooting, have each been suspended with pay pending the outcome of an investigation.
After Clark's wife, Nancy, called 911, the officers found Clark belligerent and aggressive, and waiving a handgun, police said. Nancy Clark said her husband was suffering from a diabetes-induced blood-sugar imbalance.
"The officers spent a number of minutes trying to de-escalate the situation, but he became more aggressive and very agitated," said Salida Police Chief Mark Mathies.
Mathies said Clark then pointed his gun at the officers, prompting them to shoot him. He died at the scene.

3 comments:

Sandra Miller said...

Hey there Laura,

I just stumbled on your site. My son was dx'd type 1 last August...

I really like your attitude, and had to LOL at the reality show references (I agree with all of them!). My two weaknesses are for Survivor and American Idol-- though my son would like to replace Idol with Amazing Race next season.

In reference to some of your earlier posts:

We too use the One Touch Ultra Smart-- and, like you, find it to be an amazing little meter.

And, in looking at your post in which you describe your insulin regimen-- if you think you may consider an insulin pump down the road, check out my latest post. I mention some good resources for those moving in that direction. My son LOVES his pump and says he'll "never go back to shots." (We were doing Lantus & Novalog before the pump)

Let me know if you'd like me to link your site. I haven't really seen it on anyone's blogroll yet-- it's a great way to get more support from the blogging community. And I think others could really benefit from your positive attitude.

Take care,
Sandra

Anonymous said...

Hi There,
Nice blog you've got going. Yeah, the police officer thing really disturbs me... I understand paramedics are trained for hypoglycemia events but not the cops.

(and thanks for your link to www.diabetesmine.com)

Best,
AmyT

Nicole P said...

Yikes. That's all I have to say. This could be anyone with diabetes who has any kind of weapon in their home. It's scary.