Fire Rescue: Abuse & Assault Guidelines

• This document is the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue standard operating guideline
• It concerns suspected cases of abuse or assault

Purpose

• This guideline provides a course of action for Fire Rescue personnel
• It applies when they suspect or are aware of physical or sexual assault/abuse
• It also covers neglect, abandonment, exploitation, or self-neglect that imminently endangers an individual

Authority

• The authority is the Fire Rescue Administrator

Scope

• The guideline applies to all Fire Rescue Personnel

Attachments

• Attachment A: Florida Statute Adults
• Attachment B: Florida Statute Minors

Procedure

• The guidelines offer a framework for incidents
• It is for when EMS personnel suspect minor or vulnerable adult abuse or neglect
• It ensures proper identification and mandated reporting measures

Reporting Suspected Abuse, Neglect, Abandonment, or Exploitation of Minor or Vulnerable Adults

• As per Florida Statute 415.1034 or Florida Statute 39.201, EMS personnel must report:
  • Suspected abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation of a minor/vulnerable adult
  • Death suspected as a result of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Florida Statute 415.102 defines a "vulnerable adult" as someone 18+
• They cannot perform normal daily activities or provide self-care/protection
• This is due to mental, emotional, sensory, physical, or developmental disability/dysfunction, brain damage, or aging infirmities

Suspected Physical Abuse

• While on scene, Fire Rescue personnel must:
  • Notify Law Enforcement (LE)
  • Notify the EMS Captain
  • Not leave the victim alone; must be transported or turned over to LE
• Upon patient transfer to the hospital, notify the receiving hospital
• Follow-up Includes:
  • Report to Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-96-ABUSE) or complete the online form
    • Applies even if the scene is handed over to Law Enforcement
  • Initiate a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) referral, including the Florida Abuse Hotline worker's ID number
  • Thoroughly document using Incident Reporting (PPMFR-M-201)

Suspected Sexual Abuse

• If sexual abuse of a minor/vulnerable adult is suspected/reported, Fire Rescue personnel contact:
  • Law Enforcement (LE)
  • Palm Beach County Victim Services (PBCVS) Rape Crisis 24-hr Hotline at 561-833-7273 for the Sexual Abuse Response Team (SART)
  • Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-96-ABUSE) or complete the online form
  • The EMS Captain

Non-Vulnerable Adults

• Non-vulnerable adult victims of physical/sexual assault/abuse might not want to report to LE
  • The PBCVS can be contacted without giving victim identifying information
  • A PBCVS Victim Advocate offers support and explains options
  • Only complete a MIH referral with the victim's consent
• Physical/Sexual Abuse victims can be transported to any hospital
  • If there is any medical complaint, treat them as a patient
  • All individuals benefit if treated/transported based on their medical complaint and/or hospital preference
  • For sexual abuse incidents, a SART member will meet the victim at any hospital

Evidence Preservation

• All evidence collected is turned over to LE or left with the victim at the hospital

Documentation

• Documentation needed includes:
  • Identify/document any items moved/altered during patient care in the ePCR
  • Identify/document any items left on scene by Fire Rescue personnel in the ePCR
  • Document patient comments/statements related to the sexual abuse in the ePCR
  • Complete a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) referral