What must a physician or delegate do upon treating a bullet wound?

When treating a bullet wound, it is essential for a physician or delegate to report the case to law enforcement. This is primarily due to the nature of gunshot wounds, which are often associated with criminal activity. Reporting such incidents helps ensure public safety, allows law enforcement to investigate potential crimes, and also facilitates accurate data collection around violent incidents.

Legal regulations typically mandate that healthcare professionals report specific types of injuries or incidents, including gunshot wounds, to the appropriate authorities. This obligation exists to maintain records that may be necessary for legal proceedings and to assist in preventing future violence. Failure to report could not only hinder an investigation but might also result in legal repercussions for the healthcare provider.

While other responsibilities, such as notifying the family or documenting details in the patient's chart, are certainly important, they do not take precedence over the legal obligation to inform law enforcement when treating injuries that have implications regarding public safety or potential criminal activity.