FR-O-504 Newborn Infants Left at fire stations

Questions and Answers

What is the maximum age of a newborn infant that can be legally surrendered at a fire station?

7 days old (correct)

10 days old

5 days old

1 month old

Which body has the authority to update the policy regarding surrendered newborn infants?

The Governor's Office

The local hospital administration

The Firefighters Union

The Deputy Chief of Operations (correct)

What rights does a parent have when surrendering a newborn infant at a fire station?

The parent may remain anonymous (correct)

The parent has the right to be pursued by personnel

The parent must provide identification

The parent must stay until medical services are provided

According to the law, which facilities are included for admitting surrendered newborns?

Hospitals and fire stations Signup and view all the answers

What type of legal protection does the law provide for firefighters and EMTs?

Immunity for actions taken under the surrender statute Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken if a parent seeks to reclaim their newborn infant?

The parent cannot be pursued unless they express desire to reclaim Signup and view all the answers

What is the issue date of the policy regarding surrendered newborn infants?

November 4, 2020 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective date of this policy on surrendered newborn infants?

November 18, 2020 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'Safe Haven' signage at fire stations?

To signify a safe place for surrendering newborns Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can a parent regain custody of their newborn from Fire-Rescue personnel?

If there are no obvious signs of physical abuse to the infant Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for Fire-Rescue personnel to do immediately after accepting a surrendered newborn?

Transport the infant to the nearest hospital quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of confidentiality in radio reports concerning surrendered newborns?

To safeguard the identity and privacy of the parent(s) and infant Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel instruct parents to do if they wish to regain custody of the newborn after surrender?

Call officials at the selected hospital Signup and view all the answers

Which languages are included in the Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire attachments?

English, Spanish, Creole Signup and view all the answers

Why might a parent attempt to regain custody of a newborn during transport by Fire-Rescue personnel?

They are emotionally distressed and reconsidering the decision Signup and view all the answers

What aspect should be avoided in radio reports to maintain confidentiality?

Mentioning that it is a surrendered infant situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum permissible age for a newborn to be surrendered under the Safe Haven law?

7 days old Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if there is suspicion of abuse regarding the relinquished newborn?

Follow established abuse-reporting procedures Signup and view all the answers

Under the Safe Haven law, what should be done regarding the parent's anonymity?

Ensure the parents remain completely anonymous Signup and view all the answers

What does leaving a newborn under the Safe Haven law imply about parental rights?

There is a presumption of consent to termination of parental rights Signup and view all the answers

What immunity do Fire Rescue personnel have under the Safe Haven law?

They are immune from criminal or civil liability for acting in good faith Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for not notifying law enforcement when a newborn is surrendered?

To maintain the anonymity of the parent(s) Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes 'implied consent' under the surrendered infant law?

The act of bringing the newborn to a fire station for surrender Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire?

To assess the health of the surrendered newborn Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended procedure when receiving an infant at a fire station?

Transport the baby to a hospital for age determination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Safe Haven law is incorrect?

Personal information can be gathered from the parents Signup and view all the answers

What steps should be taken if physical abuse is suspected on the surrendered newborn?

Quietly inform law enforcement from a secure location Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) in relation to a surrendered newborn incident?

To handle media inquiries and maintain confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the first steps in handling a surrendered newborn infant?

Notifying law enforcement immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which information should be included in the documentation associated with the surrendered newborn incident?

Run report and other relevant documentation Signup and view all the answers

What is advised regarding communication with media outlets after the surrender of a newborn?

Avoid speaking until well after the infant is transported to the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after a newborn is surrendered?

Notify the Public Information Officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary obligation of EMTs and Paramedics when handling surrendered newborns?

To provide emergency medical treatment within their training scope and arrange transportation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Medicaid coverage for surrendered newborns is true?

All surrendered newborns are automatically eligible for Medicaid coverage Signup and view all the answers

What type of training is recommended for members involved in the surrendered infant law?

Basic training to ensure familiarity with the policy and procedures Signup and view all the answers

What resource is available for Safe Haven training regarding surrendered newborns?

Cost-free web-based training provided by A Safe Haven for Newborns Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for medical treatment of surrendered newborns?

Seeking consent from the parent(s) before any treatment Signup and view all the answers

What does the supersession history indicate about the policies regarding surrendered infants?

New policies are regularly issued to adapt to changing federal guidelines Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Policy Overview

Policy issued by Reginald K. Duren, Fire Rescue Administrator, effective from November 18, 2020.
Addresses the protocol for receiving newborn infants left at fire stations.

Legal Framework

Florida State Statute 383.50 enables the surrender of newborns (7 days old or less) at staffed facilities.
Parents may remain anonymous and cannot be pursued unless they seek to reclaim their infant.
Immunity granted to Firefighters and EMTs acting per this statute.

Scope and Applicability

Policy applies to all personnel and reservists in Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
Future updates managed by the Deputy Chief of Operations and the PPM Committee.

Safe Haven Signage

Mandatory display of approved “Safe Haven” signs at all fire stations.

Procedures When Receiving Newborns

Initial action involves treating the infant following EMS guidelines.
Immediate transport to a hospital recommended if custody is accepted.
Parents may reclaim custody unless there are signs of abuse, in which case law enforcement must be notified.

Communication Protocols

Radio communications should remain generic to protect parental anonymity.
Media inquiries about the incident should be directed to the Public Information Officer after transportation of the infant to ensure confidentiality.

Key Definitions

Newborn must be determined as approximately 7 days old or less by medical professionals.
Anonymity of parents is mandatory; no personal information should be collected.
Implied consent given by parents for medical treatment upon surrendering their infant.

Liability and Medical Care

Fire Rescue personnel are immune from civil/criminal liability if acting in good faith under the law.
Medical treatment for surrendered infants proceeds under the assumption of Medicaid eligibility without seeking parental billing information.

Training

Mandatory training available online through A Safe Haven for Newborns to ensure effective execution of the policy.

Additional Attachments

Includes resources such as Safe Haven Medical Questionnaire available in multiple languages and a Birthmother Card to assist with procedures.

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Description

This quiz covers the policy regarding newborn infants left at fire stations as communicated by the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Personnel. It outlines the procedures and responsibilities of the fire personnel in such situations. Essential for understanding emergency response and child safety protocols.