Topics in Emergency Medicine

Charles, Laurie

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Very few things strike fear in the hearts of emergency department staff as much as the words, “There is a sexually abused child in triage.” The pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner position was created to relieve emergency physician time constraints, and to provide more comprehensive, sensitive, and compassionate care for the sexual assault victim. This article briefly outlines the pediatric sexual assault examination.

Washburn, Pamela

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Society has historically looked to the victim of sexual assault in an effort to understand this crime. As individuals we continue to look for rational reasons to make sense out of this irrational act. Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital establishes a new precedent of including professional chaplains as part of protocol for each case. The chaplains provide crisis intervention and education for the survivor, friends and family, and staff through a debriefing process.

Botello, Shelley ; King, Debbie ; Ratner, Evan

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The evolution of care for survivors of sexual assault in San Antonio has led to a multidisciplinary program involving specially trained RNs, emergency physicians, advocates from the Rape Crisis Center, and hospital-based Chaplains. This nontraditional approach has dramatically improved the total care provided to the survivor of sexual assault while addressing the needs of law enforcement and procecutors in the community.

Ratner, Evan ; Botello, Shelley

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Williams, James M.

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Sexual assault patients present unique challenges to physicians. The main priority is to evaluate and treat emergent and life-threatening injuries. Once the patient is stabilized, the nearest SAFE program should be contacted and arrangements made for transfer. SAFE programs are an outstanding multidisciplinary resource that can help care for these patients.