What should be included in a verbal report to incoming medical personnel?

A verbal report to incoming medical personnel is critical as it ensures continuity of care and provides essential information for the patient’s ongoing treatment. Including the patient's name, age, chief complaint, assessments performed, and treatments administered offers a comprehensive overview that allows the incoming staff to quickly understand the situation.

The patient's name and age are basic identifiers and demographic details that facilitate communication and documentation. The chief complaint gives immediate insight into the reason for the patient's presentation, which is crucial for prioritizing further evaluations and interventions. Detailing the assessments performed helps the incoming team understand what has already been done and what findings were noted, enabling them to build on that knowledge. Finally, outlining the treatments administered offers important information about what medications or procedures have been given, preventing duplication and ensuring the correct continuation of care.

While the other options provide useful information, they do not encompass the full spectrum needed for an effective verbal report. Simply conveying only the chief complaint and treatments might lead to gaps in understanding the patient's complete status. Similarly, while details regarding the time of arrival and dispatch can be important for operational purposes, they do not directly inform medical decision-making as thoroughly as a full account of the patient's clinical information. A robust report that encompasses all these elements fosters effective teamwork and optimal patient outcomes