Human Trafficking

Human trafficking (for sex or labor) is a common, global problem. Children, teens, and adults experiencing human trafficking are often “hidden in plain sight.” This chapter describes many environmental (scene) and individual (patient) indicators of human trafficking. Recognition of indicators is the first, critical step toward providing trauma‐informed, culturally sensitive, person‐centered care, including referral to resources targeting the patient's emergency (and longer term) needs. This chapter also describes the role of EMS system medical directors, including familiarization with local human trafficking laws and implementation of protocols that include education and training; patient screening, care, and support guidelines; reporting procedures (especially where required by law); and performance improvement procedures. These measures may not only save the life of individual patients experiencing trafficking, but also reduce human trafficking in the community.