Lecture Notes

Court Proceeding Overview

• Case: Commonwealth vs. Karen Reed
• Participants:
  • For the Commonwealth: Adam L, laa mlin
  • For the Defense: Jackson, Elizabeth Little, David Jetti
• Date: January 29, 2022
• Location: Fairview Road, Massachusetts
• Incident: Unresponsive male found in snow, identified as John O'Keefe.

Jury Instructions

• Questions by lawyers are not evidence; only the answers are considered evidence.
• Jurors decide on the facts from videos and audios presented.

Emergency Response and Scene Description

• Weather Conditions: Heavy snow, low visibility, windy.
• Response Team: Ambulance, fire engine, and police officers.
• Patient: John O'Keefe, found approximately 10 feet from the road.
• Initial Observations: Dressed inappropriately for weather, missing one shoe.
• Response Actions: CPR initiated, transport to Good Samaritan Hospital.

Witness Testimonies

Witness 1: Firefighter Flatti

• Role: Lead paramedic on the scene.
• Observations:
  • Patient had a swollen, bruised eye, blood from nose and mouth.
  • Rigid limbs indicating potential hypothermia.
• Actions: Conducted CPR, facilitated transfer to ambulance.
• Interaction with Karen Reed:
  • Reed was distressed, kept repeating "I hit him."
• Treatment in Ambulance: Administered epinephrine, utilized a mechanical CPR device.

Witness 2: Firefighter Kelly

• Role: Assisted in patient care, conducted chest compressions.
• Observations:
  • Noted blood around Reed's mouth, indicating attempted CPR.
  • Reed was hysterical, repeatedly stated "he's dead."
• Actions: Assisted in moving patient to ambulance, provided airway management.

Witness 3: Lieutenant Walsh

• Role: Engine driver, assisted on the scene.
• Observations:
  • Noted patient's missing right shoe and facial injuries.
• Actions: Provided intraosseous access for medication delivery.

Witness 4: Firefighter Mlin

• Role: Backstep on the engine, assisted in patient care and driving the ambulance.
• Interaction with Karen Reed:
  • Obtained initial patient information from Reed.
  • Reed admitted to hitting O'Keefe, repeated "I hit him" multiple times.
• Observations: Noted facial injuries and swelling upon close inspection.

Medical Procedures and Observations

• Cardiac Arrest Protocol: Continuous chest compressions, administration of epinephrine and saline.
• Hypothermia Concerns: Efforts to warm the patient included warming blankets and infused fluids.

Courtroom Dynamics

• Cross-Examination Focus:
  • Defense questioned the consistency of witness testimonies, particularly regarding what Reed said and her demeanor.
  • Emphasized the importance of accurate and immediate medical reporting.