SLT teen tries to kill self to avoid arrest
Updated March 14:
By Kathryn Reed
A South Lake Tahoe teen is lucky to be alive after he stabbed himself multiple times Thursday.
When officers went to his residence on San Jose Avenue just before 1pm March 9 to serve a no bail arrest warrant the 16-year-old started stabbing his chest several times, according to law enforcement.
Based on the amount of bleeding and that he was vomiting blood, paramedics requested an air ambulance. However, doctors at Barton Memorial Hospital said not so fast, bring him here first because the trauma team was ready.
He was whisked to Barton with a sheriff’s escort.
Barton was able to save his life.
Because of his age his name is not being released. It is also not known what the warrant was for.
Authorities were still at the residence hours after the incident. Assisting with the investigation are investigators from the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office and California Highway Patrol.
Due to patient privacy laws, we cannot discuss a specific patient’s situation. According to El Dorado County’s EMS Agency Field Policy for trauma patients, EMS collaborates with Barton physicians to determine the most appropriate care in the shortest amount of time. According to EMS Destination Criteria, patients with life-threatening injuries should be sent to the nearest trauma center to ensure care during what is termed as the “golden hour”, the critical time frame for saving a life. Trauma providers are on call and many times on-site prior to patients’ arrival, which would result in patients receiving the best care possible in the shortest amount of time.
As a designated Level III Trauma Center, Barton Health is qualified to handle various levels of trauma. There are times when physicians and EMS personnel determine a higher level of care is needed, at which time the patient is transported to a site with appropriate capabilities.
Becoming a Level III Trauma Center has led to life-saving medical care for our community. All trauma cases are reviewed, and the American College of Surgeons certifies Barton Health as a trauma center based on high standards of trauma care.