West Coast EMT Block One Exam

What should you do if a patient who was involved in a crash admits to drinking but asks you not to tell anyone?

1. Report to the state motor vehicle department

2. Contact your medical director

3. Inform the receiving nurse or doctor

4. Notify law enforcement personnel

The correct answer is: Inform the receiving nurse or doctor

When a patient involved in a crash admits to drinking, the best course of action is to inform the receiving nurse or doctor. This choice is rooted in the duty of care that healthcare providers have to ensure patient safety and the need to provide accurate information for effective treatment. Medical professionals rely on complete and honest information to assess the patient's condition and manage potential complications from alcohol consumption, such as the risk of further injury or the potential for alcohol-related medical needs. Additionally, healthcare professionals are often guided by protocols that require them to evaluate and document all relevant information about a patient's medical history and incident circumstances, which includes substance use. This allows the receiving medical team to make informed decisions about the patient's treatment plan and any necessary interventions. While reporting to the state motor vehicle department, contacting a medical director, or notifying law enforcement might seem necessary in certain situations, the immediate priority is to ensure the patient receives the appropriate medical attention based on their condition. Therefore, sharing this information with the receiving healthcare team is essential for the patient's care.