Forensic Awareness in Urgent Care: Insights from Barbados
Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
14th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 26-27 September 2025 | Mumbai, India
When people think of emergency rooms (ERs), the first image that comes to mind is life-saving treatment for accidents, sudden illnesses, or trauma. But what happens when those medical emergencies are also potential forensic cases? In Barbados, urgent care providers (UCPs) are often the first point of contact for victims and sometimes even perpetrators of crimes such as domestic violence, assaults, and sexual abuse. This makes ER staff key players not just in healthcare, but also in preserving justice.
Why This Study Matters
Between 2019 and 2020, Barbados recorded over 36,000 ER visits. Of these, only a small fraction (0.05%) were officially identified as forensic cases. However, the real number may be much higher, especially when you consider that many injuries related to crime may never be flagged as forensic. The question is: Are urgent care providers prepared to recognize and handle forensic evidence when it comes their way?
The Study
A team of researchers surveyed 105 doctors and nurses across six public and private ERs in Barbados. Participants answered questions on their knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes toward forensic evidence and its role in medical care.
What They Found
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Knowledge: On average, providers scored 68% on forensic knowledge. Doctors and nurses scored the highest, but many were unclear on the most basic question: What exactly counts as forensic evidence?
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Behaviors:
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Only 13% correctly identified patients as potential forensic cases.
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76.5% never used tamper-evident bags.
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90.6% reported that their ER lacked evidence kits or trolleys.
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Just 13.3% had training for courtroom testimony.
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Attitudes:
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39% believed victims and perpetrators deserve equal care.
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68% supported patients’ right to refuse care.
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67% felt forensic evidence is important in their daily practice.
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What This Means
The findings show that while urgent care providers in Barbados have a fair understanding of forensic principles, practical tools and training are lacking. Without proper evidence kits and standardized procedures, opportunities to preserve justice may be lost.
The Way Forward
Strengthening forensic readiness in ERs is not just about justice—it’s about holistic patient care. Providing training, supplying evidence kits, and increasing awareness can help UCPs play their dual role: saving lives while protecting critical forensic evidence.
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