New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is a pre-hospital care report (PCR) considered to be?

1. Inadmissible in a court of law

2. Research document only

3. Part of the patient's hospital chart

4. Public property

The correct answer is: Part of the patient's hospital chart

The pre-hospital care report (PCR) is considered to be part of the patient's hospital chart because it provides a detailed account of the patient's condition and the care provided during transport to a medical facility. This documentation is crucial for a number of reasons: it ensures continuity of care by informing hospital staff about the patient's status at the time of transport, facilitates accurate medical decision-making, and serves as a permanent record of the pre-hospital care provided. By integrating the PCR into the hospital chart, it allows for comprehensive documentation of the patient's medical history, treatment received, and any changes in their condition, which can be vital for ongoing medical treatment and legal considerations surrounding the care that was delivered. This relationship to the hospital chart underscores the importance of accurate and thorough documentation in pre-hospital emergency medical services.