DENVER -- Three male cadets going through the first day of a 22-week training class suffered severe physical exhaustion, so much so that they had to be hospitalized, the Colorado State Patrol said Monday.
There are reports that the three men suffered renal failure, but CSP Sgt. Mike Baker could not confirm that, citing privacy rules.
Baker said they suffered a "severe medical condition" on Jan. 9 and one cadet remains in the hospital more than a month later.
"We have never had a situation with medical conditions this extreme, especially where multiple cadets are sent to the hospital and unable to complete the academy," said Baker. "This is certainly an anomaly."
Marc Colin, an attorney for the Association of Colorado State Patrol Professionals, said the condition was a result of extreme physical exertion and dehydration, and that the condition may have something to do with their kidneys.
The three men collapsed on the first day of cadet class training, Baker said.
"We had three cadets hospitalized separately within the first 24 to 48 hours of the academy," Baker said. "They came to us exhibiting symptoms of potential medical conditions. Our staff immediately helped them receive medical treatment."
He said the course the cadets go through is a carefully regimented, paramilitary-style training, using a system CSP has used for several Academy classes since 2010 and similar to the training CSP has used for the last 77 years.
However, Baker said that the academy knew it was their duty to reevaluate their training program after the cadets were hospitalized.
“The academy did take a step back and reviewed the training to take even greater precautions,” Baker said.
He said the CSP made minor changes, but that the structure will remain consistent.
Later Monday night, Sgt. Baker said that he was mistaken about the review, stating that CSP is still investigating to determin what changes, if any, need to be made.
Colin said he has been asked by the trooper's union to initiate an internal and external investigation. He also said seven cadets, not three, sought medical care for a “severe medical condition."
"It’s my understanding that they were not provided any medical attention at the academy and drove themselves to a clinic after the academy that day," Colin said. "If so many cadets experience medical issues as a result of training, it’s something much more serious than a minor issue. If I were the cadets, I would be insulted by that characterization."
Colin said he is still gathering information about what happened.
"We're very concerned that someone who is independent of the CSP investigate the circumstances here," said Colin. "It's the agency’s responsibility to ensure that their training is conducted in a safe environment and in such a fashion so it does not place the cadets at risk, other than the known risks that might be associated with arrest control training."
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