Abandoned Newborn

Section 2 - EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

PURPOSE:

This SOG establishes guidelines for managing the drop off or 911 dispatched call of abandoned infants who appear approximately less than 30 days old, in accordance with Florida Statute 383.50. Treatment of Abandoned Infant and Abandoned Neonate Protocol.

PROCEDURE:

• Maitland Fire Rescue personnel shall accept any newborn infant left with a Firefighter, EMT or Paramedic. Personnel shall consider this action implied consent.
• Notify OCFRD and MPD communications center and advise them of the abandoned newborn infant, initiate a still alarm, and place the necessary equipment out of service.
• Station personnel should make an effort to obtain a medical history of both parents and the infant and a description of the parent(s).
• Florida Statute 383.50 provides immunity from criminal or civil liability to any firefighter or emergency medical personnel who accepts or provides services to the infant.
• The newborn infant will be transported to the most appropriate hospital.
• In the event of signs or symptoms of abuse, the abandoned newborn infant statute does not apply and EMS parameters will be followed. Station personnel are required to document suspected abuse in their EMS report, notify the Department of Children and Families, Law Enforcement, and the receiving facility of transport.
• An incident and EMS report shall be generated.
• Florida Statute 383.50 allows provisions for the infant to be eligible for Medicaid and reimbursement for services rendered can be sought under this provision.