Which facility should EMS transport a relinquished infant to?

• A. The nearest general hospital.
• B. The hospital that the relinquishing parent requests.
• C. Any hospital with pediatric services.
• D. The closest EDAP hospital.

Answer: (D)

When a infant is relinquished, the priority is rapid, safe medical care and a proper handoff to child protective services at a facility designated to receive relinquished infants. In this system, that destination is the closest EDAP hospital—the emergency department designated to handle relinquished infant cases and coordinate with child welfare. These EDAP sites have trained staff in newborn and pediatric care, established handoff and reporting protocols, and the resources to ensure immediate medical evaluation and required notifications are completed promptly. Transporting to a non-EDAP hospital or to the hospital requested by the relinquishing parent can delay or complicate mandatory processes and may result in a facility not prepared to manage this specific situation. Hence, the designated EDAP hospital is the appropriate choice to ensure safety, proper care, and timely coordination with child welfare.