Question

A hospital employee was transporting a patient when the stretcher collapsed. The fall broke the patient's arm. Which action should be taken to address this safety risk?

1) Evaluate the stretchers for mechanical problems
2) Call human resources to discipline the employee
3) Contact the hospital's attorney to assess for liability
4) Review the hospital's contract with the stretcher supplier

Answer 1

To address the safety risk of stretcher collapse, the hospital should evaluate the stretchers for mechanical problems.

Step-by-step explanation:

To address the safety risk of stretcher collapse, the hospital should take the action of evaluating the stretchers for mechanical problems. This involves inspecting the stretchers to identify any issues or defects that may have caused the collapse. By doing so, the hospital can ensure that the stretchers are safe and functioning properly, minimizing the risk of future accidents.

Calling human resources to discipline the employee is not the appropriate action in this situation as it does not address the underlying safety risk caused by a potential mechanical problem with the stretchers. Contacting the hospital's attorney to assess liability is not the first step to take and should only be considered after evaluating the stretchers. Reviewing the hospital's contract with the stretcher supplier may also be important, but it should not be the immediate action taken to address the safety risk.