When you observe multiple bruises of different colors on a six-year-old, what should be your immediate action?

When observing multiple bruises of different colors on a six-year-old, the immediate action should be to report suspected abuse to the hospital. This is critical because children, particularly at a young age, are vulnerable and may be unable to protect themselves from harm. The distinct colors of the bruises can indicate that they are from different incidents, raising concern for potential physical abuse.

Medical professionals, such as EMTs, have a legal and ethical obligation to report signs of potential abuse to ensure the child's safety. The appropriate authorities can then conduct a thorough investigation to determine if the child is in a harmful environment and what protective measures need to be taken.

While reassurance and comfort are important for the child, they do not address the immediate need for intervention in cases of suspected abuse. Documenting findings is necessary, but it is not the priority over ensuring the child's safety. Similarly, contacting the child's parents for an explanation could unintentionally jeopardize the child's safety or alert the abuser while the situation is still being assessed. Thus, the safest and most responsible action is to report the suspected abuse to the hospital for further evaluation and intervention.