Paramedic Care Principles & Practice Volume 5 Special Considerations / Operations Second Edition Chapter 4 Abuse and Assault

Figure 4-1 When called to the scene of domestic violence, you may encounter hostility from the person responsible for the abuse. Remain calm when you speak to the person and do not enter his personal space. Remain alert to changes in emotional status, and be prepared to summon law enforcement officials as necessary. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 4-2 You are obligated to report suspected elder abuse to the appropriate authorities. In the case of institutional elder abuse, your actions may result in an investigation by an outside agency who will question the patient more closely. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 4-3 Child abuse comes in many forms. Be alert and report any concerns you may have regarding abuse or neglect. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 4-4 Severe multiple bruises can lead to death. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 4-5 You can often recognize the source of intentional burns by their shape and/or pattern. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 4-6 Evidence of child abuse—X-ray of a spiral femur fracture. Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

Figure 4-7 If possible, a paramedic or EMT of the same sex as the victim of rape or an alleged sexual assault should maintain contact with the victim, accompanying the patient to the hospital. (© Ken Kerr) Bryan E. Bledsoe, Robert S. Porter, and Richard A. Cherry Paramedic Care, Principles & Practice: Special Considerations / Operations Copyright ©2006 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.