What should EMS personnel do if the child is presumed to be more than 30 days old or has been abused?

• A. Proceed as if the child is abused or neglected and follow the Reporting Abused and/or Neglected Patients Policy.
• B. Treat as a routine infant and discharge to the care of a relative.
• C. Immediately transfer to a children's hospital.
• D. Document but take no further action.

Answer: (A)

When there is suspicion of abuse or neglect in a child, EMS personnel must treat the situation as a potential abuse case and follow the Reporting Abused and/or Neglected Patients Policy. This is because reporting and safeguarding children is a legal and ethical responsibility; it ensures the concern is identified by the proper authorities and that the child receives protective resources and appropriate follow-up.

In practice, this means thoroughly assessing the child, documenting objective injuries or red flags, and immediately engaging the required channels—typically notifying medical control and contacting the appropriate child protective services or law enforcement per policy. Do not delay care for routine decisions or assume it’s someone else’s problem; provide needed medical care while ensuring the safety of the child and completing the mandated reporting steps. Reporting is not about accusing the caregiver but about initiating a protective process to safeguard the child.