If you or a loved one suffered a gunshot wound, you should report the incident to the police as soon as possible. However, your priority should be to get medical care. By calling 911, both emergency medical responders and law enforcement will likely be dispatched to the scene of the accident.
However, what if you simply show up to the hospital without calling 911 or the police? In this case, the hospital medical staff will likely follow the procedures recommended by the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC advises medical providers to call police immediately when someone arrives with a gunshot wound.
Medical facilities are urged to use judgment when disclosing the identity of a patient to authorities following a gunshot wound. In some situations, disclosing someone’s identity could expose the patient to harm and even death. In other cases, it might be in the interest of the general public to disclose the person’s identity. Whenever possible, hospitals should ask for consent from the patient before disclosing personal information. Also, if the patient’s identity will be exposed without his or consent, the patient should be informed beforehand.
At all times, the patient’s health should be the medical personnel’s first concern. Furthermore, the arrival of police should not delay or prevent treatment of the patient.
Were you injured by a gunshot wound? You may be able to pursue a claim for damages against the parties at fault for your injuries. A Belgrade personal injury lawyer can offer you guidance by reviewing the facts of your case and determining whether you have a viable claim for compensation.
Source: patient.info, “Gunshot injuries,” accessed Sep. 28, 2017