COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

Which step should you take first if you experience an injury at the hospital?

1. Call the program manager

2. Get first aid

3. File a report

4. Inform the patient

The correct answer is: Get first aid

When you experience an injury in a hospital setting, the immediate priority is to address your health and safety. Seeking first aid is a crucial step because it ensures that any injury you have is examined and treated by a medical professional, thereby preventing any potential complications. Medical attention may include cleaning and dressing a wound, assessing the risk of infection, or providing any necessary medications. Until your injury is managed, it may not be feasible to effectively perform other important tasks, such as notifying others or completing reports, as your well-being should come first in such situations. After ensuring that first aid is administered, you can proceed with other steps like informing the program manager or filing a report about the incident, but the health and safety of yourself and possibly others is paramount. This first response aligns with established protocols in healthcare environments, emphasizing the importance of attending to personal injuries immediately.