When should a paramedic report suspected abuse of a dependent adult or child?

A paramedic should report suspected abuse of a dependent adult or child when there is reasonable suspicion that abuse has occurred. This means that if there are signs or circumstances that lead a paramedic to believe that a person may be experiencing abuse, they have the obligation to report it, regardless of whether there is concrete evidence or observable injury. This is crucial because timely reporting can lead to appropriate intervention and protection for the vulnerable individual.

In many jurisdictions, including those governed by laws concerning child protection and elder abuse, mandatory reporting laws require professionals like paramedics to act based on reasonable suspicion. This standard recognizes that not all situations will have observable physical evidence at the time of the encounter but may still require protective measures to safeguard the individual involved.

In contrast, waiting for observable injury, the presence and agreement of a parent, or the involvement of law enforcement before making a report would not fulfill the legal and ethical obligations to protect dependent individuals from potential harm. These responses can inhibit timely intervention, putting the individual's safety at risk.