If a physician arrives on scene, what is the first step you should take?

When a physician arrives on the scene, the first step to take is to request proper identification to confirm they are a licensed physician. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the care being provided. Having confirmed identification allows you to verify that the individual has the appropriate qualifications and credentials necessary to make medical decisions and provide guidance in an emergency situation.

Ensuring that the physician is indeed who they claim to be protects both the patient and the healthcare team, maintaining a standard of care and accountability. This step is foundational, as it establishes the legitimacy of the provider, which is essential in critical care settings where rapid and effective decision-making is key.

While seeking recommendations from the physician, contacting their office for verification, or allowing them to take control of the situation may seem important, these actions are secondary to first confirming their identity. Engaging in those other actions without proper identification could lead to complications in treatment and patient safety.