Dosmetic Violence Recognition =
and
Reporting
Poli=
cy:
Domestic violence is physical, sexual, or psychological
abuse and / or intimidation which attempts to control another person in a
current or former family, dating, or household relationship.
Elder abuse is the physical and / or mental injury, sexu=
al
abuse, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a senior citizen by another
person. Abuse may be at the h=
and of
a caregiver, spouse, neighbor, or adult child of the patient.
The recognition and proper reporting of abuse is a criti=
cal
step to improving patient safety, providing quality health care, and preven=
ting
further abuse.
Purp=
ose:
Assessment of an abuse case is based on the following
principles:
- Protect the
patient from harm, as well as that of the EMS
team.
- Suspect that
the patent may be a victim of abuse, especially if the injury / illnes=
s is not consistent with the reported history.=
- Respect the
privacy of the patient and family.
- Collect as
much evidence as possible and preserve physical evidence.
Proc=
edure:
1. Assess for and document
psychological characteristics of abuse, including excessive passivity,
compliant or fearful behavior, excessive aggression, violent tendencies,
excessive crying, fussy behavior, or other behavioral disorders, substance
abuse, medical non-compliance, or repeated EMS requests. This is typically best done in pri=
vate
with the patient.
2. Assess for and document physi=
cal
signs of abuse, including especially any injuries that are inconsistent with
the reported mechanism of injury.
The back, chest, abdomen, genitals, arms, legs, face, and scalp are
common sites for abusive injuries.
Defensive injuries (e.g. to forearms), and injuries during pregnancy=
are
also suggestive of abuse.
3. Assess for and document signs=
and
symptoms of neglect, including inappropriate level of clothing for weather,
inadequate hygiene, absence of attentive care giver(s), or physical signs of
malnutrition.
4. Assess for and document signs=
of
sexual abuse, including torn, stained, or bloody underclothing, unexplained
injuries, pregnancy, or sexually transmitted diseases.
5. Immediately report any suspic=
ious
findings to both the receiving hospital (if transported) and to the Catawba
County Department of Social Services - Adult Protective Services Division.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>
6. EMS
personnel should attempt in private to provide the patient with the phone
number of appropriate assistance agencies:
<=
/o:p>
Program &=
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p; &=
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p; &=
nbsp; Business
Hours &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; After Hours
Adult Protective Services &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 695-5609 &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 464-3112
Domestic Violence Program (Fir=
st
Step) &=
nbsp; 322-1400 &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 464-3112
Rape Crisis Center &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp;
&=
nbsp; 322-6011 &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 464-3112<=
/p>