West Coast EMT Block One Exam

Which of the following incidents does NOT require a report to be filed with local authorities?

1. A. Animal bites

2. B. Gunshot wounds

3. C. Spousal abuse

4. D. Cardiac arrest

The correct answer is: D. Cardiac arrest

In emergency medical services, certain incidents are mandated to be reported to local authorities due to their serious and often legal implications. A cardiac arrest does not fall into this category because it is a medical condition that can occur due to various reasons, such as heart disease, respiratory issues, or trauma, and does not inherently involve criminal or potentially harmful actions toward others. In contrast, incidents like animal bites, gunshot wounds, and spousal abuse often require reporting due to legal and safety considerations. These situations can involve potential criminal activity or public health concerns, necessitating documentation and intervention from local authorities. Cardiac arrest, being an acute medical event, is treated and documented primarily for medical purposes without involving law enforcement or mandatory reporting to authorities.