106.06 Suspected Abuse/Neglect (week 9)

Question 1

If West Palm Beach Fire Department personnel encounter an abuse case, whether obvious _________ ________ or ______ ______ or ______, it shall be reported to ______ ___________.

Answer 1

Criminal issue
Self abuse
Neglect
Law enforcement

Question 2

Chapter 415, Florida statutes, requires that all persons report suspected child abuse to the what?

Answer 2

Department of Children and Family Services

Question 3

Section 415.103 F.S., requires certain health professionals to file what to their initial report?

Answer 3

Written follow up reports or phone calls

Question 4

In case of child abuse, personnel should adhere to the following procedure: (5 things)

Answer 4

1. Always transport first if the situation is emergent
2. Request law enforcement. Advise the investigating officer or your suspicions and support evidence
3. Advise the receiving hospital of the same info
4. Contact the statewide Florida abuse registry hotline (1-800-962-2873) for an initial report of the circumstances surrounding the situation. The telephone # is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
5. Complete your medical report and include full documentation of all facts surrounding the case.

Question 5

What should you include in the medical report?

Answer 5

Name and position of the hospital official notified
The time of notification
The name of the person contacted and the case number at the Abuse Registry.

Question 6

In cases of abuse/neglect of the elderly or handicapped, personnel shall adhere to the following procedures:

Answer 6

1. When a patient has been physically abused, request law enforcement and wait until they arrive, keep the crews’ safety in mind.
2. When it appears that a patient cannot physically care for herself, as evidenced by repeated calls for EMS assistance which activities of daily living
3. If conditions warrant, company officer may choose to go immediately to “e” or “f” from the list above.
4. Ensure all actions are documented in a patient care report.

Question 7

When it appears that a patient cannot physically care for themself, as evidence by repeated calls for EMS assistance with activities of daily living, the following should be done:

Answer 7

A. Transport first if appropriate
B. Call family if available
C. Call “helpline for elders” if necessary (211) or refer family to this number if they are agreeable
D. Call patient’s primary care physician and explain problems or refer to family if they are agreeable
E. Call palm beach county’s community assistance team (CAT) via dispatch or (561) 472-4124 and explain the situation or call the Florida abuse hotline.