When should the PCR be completed?

• A. As soon as possible after transfer of care
• B. Before leaving the scene
• C. After the receiving facility clears it
• D. Only at the end of shift

Answer: (A)

Prompt documentation of patient care is essential because the PCR is the formal record of what happened, what you did, and how the patient responded. The best practice is to complete the PCR as soon as possible after you transfer care to the receiving facility. Doing it at this moment keeps details accurate and fresh, supports a clear handoff, and provides a reliable legal and quality-assurance trail. Waiting until you finish the shift or until the receiving facility clears it can lead to memory decay, missing information, and disputes about what occurred. Completing the report promptly—often during transport or immediately after the handoff—ensures all critical data, such as initial assessment, vital signs, interventions, medications and times, and changes in patient status, are captured while they are still fresh.