Medical Guidelines for Care of Immigrants at US Border Crossings

The recent death of a 7 year old dehydrated girl at a border crossing while under CBP custody highlights the need to have emergency response services well-planned and well-executed for this population who have endured hardships and privations while crossing the desert and travelling many miles to their destination. As a nation founded by immigrants, and sustained by our guiding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, we are obliged as human beings to provide life-preserving services when someone is in US Custody. It is depraved indifference to do otherwise.  Therefore we propose:

1. Each border crossing should have a medical emergency plan in place and should be able to activate the plan quickly and efficiently, including evacuation by helicopter to the nearest fully-equiped medical facility if necessary.

2. Products to treat dehydration such as electrolyte-containing fluids should be readily available, including oral hydration products and IV fluids.  Water especially must be plentiful.

3. Border agents must be forbidden to empty containers of water left in the desert to keep people hydrated.

4. Each border crossing should have trained personnel on hand to treat medical emergencies such as dehydration, heat illnesses, and other critical ailments. These personnel should have at least EMT-level training. Mid-level providers such as Nurse Practicioners and Physician Assistants would be a preferable choice.

5. Proven indifference to the reversable suffering of any human being should be a felony.