Which statement about rape is correct?

• A. Rape is a legal term, not a medical diagnosis.
• B. The EMT should try to determine if rape occurred.
• C. Rape causes more physical than emotional harm.
• D. Only a licensed physician can make a diagnosis of rape.

Answer: (A)

Rape is a legal designation, not a medical diagnosis. In EMS practice, the priority is to treat any injuries, provide emotional support, protect the patient’s privacy, and preserve evidence for investigators. Because determining whether a rape occurred is a determination by law enforcement and the legal system, not something a provider makes on scene, you document what the patient reports and what you can observe, then involve law enforcement for the investigation. It’s also important to recognize that sexual assault can cause significant emotional harm in addition to physical injuries, so care should address both safety and psychological support. There isn’t a medical diagnosis called “rape,” so statements about diagnosis are not the correct framework for how EMS approaches these situations.