A physician or delegate who treats a bullet wound is required to do what immediately?

• A. Document in chart
• B. Report case to law enforcement
• C. Notify the patient’s family
• D. Delay reporting

Answer: (B)

When a patient has a bullet wound, reporting to law enforcement immediately is a mandatory obligation. This requirement ensures timely law enforcement involvement, preserves evidence, and supports public safety and the investigation. While you will document the treatment in the chart as part of standard care, that documentation does not replace the need to notify authorities right away. Notifying the patient’s family is not a mandated action in this context and could interfere with the investigation, and delaying the report is not permitted by law. The physician or their delegate should contact the local police or sheriff as soon as possible after treating or stabilizing the patient.