TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Trauma, Medicine, and the Law A1 - Mattox, Kenneth L. A1 - Jones, Carolynn A2 - Feliciano, David V. A2 - Mattox, Kenneth L. A2 - Moore, Ernest E. PY - 2020 T2 - Trauma, 9e AB - KEY POINTSWhen in doubt and time and life are running out, treat.Have specific instructions for judicial intervention and emergency psychiatric detention available in the trauma center.Be mindful of Hippocrates’s admonition, “Which ought not be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all should be kept secret.”Compliance with local reporting laws is essential to avoid potential criminal penalty and civil liability.The police department’s duty is containment and control, whereas the trauma team’s duty is care and cure. To each his own.Avoidance of malpractice claims depends on the exercise of skill based on knowledge of reasonable, ordinary, prudent physicians under similar circumstances.An unfavorable outcome does not, of necessity, imply or result in a legal lawsuit; if such were the case, 50% of all attorneys in court cases would be so guilty.Standing orders, best practices, protocols, guidelines, and electronic recommended practices all have value, but the ultimate hallmark of the professional is the exercise of sound judgment in any particular case.Records must be made for the patient’s benefit, not for the attending physician, hospital, attorneys, or quality surveillance. Corrections to records can be made, dated, and timed, but the original entry must not be removed.Freely use consultation and escalation of concerns when indicated. There are always persons, processes, and resources to provided unknown, unfamiliar, or clarified information. SN - PB - McGraw Hill CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/29 UR - accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1175136183 ER -