What are Qualified Medical Personnel (QMP) required to do when a person asks for emergency help for an injury?

Qualified Medical Personnel (QMP) are required to perform a medical screening exam (MSE) when someone requests emergency help for an injury. The MSE is a critical step that helps determine the severity of the person's condition and whether the injury requires immediate intervention. This initial assessment is crucial as it guides the QMP in providing appropriate care and ensures that no life-threatening conditions are overlooked.

Conducting a medical screening exam is a standard protocol in emergency situations, enabling the QMP to make informed decisions based on the patient's physical condition and clinical presentation. It also serves as a legal safeguard, as thorough documentation of the assessment can help mitigate liability issues that may arise from subsequent care decisions.

While other actions, such as referring to a specialist or calling for an ambulance, may be part of the care continuum depending on the findings of the MSE, the fundamental requirement in an emergency context is to first assess the patient's status through a medical screening exam. Providing immediate treatment without assessing the injury could lead to inappropriate care, while referring a patient without understanding their condition could delay necessary treatment.