Case Study/Abuse and Neglect

You are the unit manager of a large, urban Emergency Department. At approximately 9:30 am on a hot, humid day in early August, the paramedics rush in with an 8 month old girl, Anna, who is unresponsive. Anna's temperature is 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) and her skin is hot to touch, red and dry. She also has a rapid pulse. The paramedics report that Anna was discovered by a passerby who noticed Anna sleeping in a car seat in the back seat of an SUV. All of the vehicles windows were cracked approximately one inch. Emergency crew at the scene broke window to remove her from the vehicle. The estimated temperature inside the vehicle was over 120^O F . Soon after the paramedics arrived, Anna's parents come rushing in. They are tearful and frantic. Both parents tell you that they thought the other parent had dropped the baby off at daycare.

1. What legal issue does this case study present? What is the supporting evidence?

2. As the unit manager, what are your legal and ethical responsibilities in this situation?

3. Should you decide not to report this incident, what are the potential consequences?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

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