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EMR
EMT
AEMT
Paramedic
Extended
Patient Rights
Consent to serve.
1.
All patients 18 years of age or older must give consent verbally or nonverbally, or in writing to be treated.
2.
Unconscious patients 18 years of age or older give permission to treat by implied consent.
3.
Patients 18 years of age or older may refuse treatment unless in your best judgment you feel the patient
cannot make this decision based on psychiatric conditions, suicidal ideations, intoxication, or impaired
judgment secondary to their current condition. The patient must be alert and oriented to refuse treatment. It
is otherwise implied that the patient would want help if he/she was of sound mind.
4.
Patients under 18 years of age cannot refuse treatment if the EMS provider feels the treatment is needed.
The consent to treat or refuse treatment can only be given for a minor by his/her parents or parent, blood
relative, or legal guardian. A parent or guardian cannot refuse treatment of a critically ill minor. If legal
consent cannot be obtained, the EMS provider has the responsibility to make the decision for the minor.
Withdrawal of consent.
1.
A mentally competent adult can withdraw consent at any time. This is true even after treatment has been
started.
2.
If an unconscious patient or mentally confused patient becomes alert and oriented he/she can withdraw
consent.
Release of liability.
1.
If a person refuses treatment or transport, he/she must be informed of the possible consequences for the lack
of treatment or transport.
2.
The person must sign the report for refusal. This should be done in the presence of a witness. If the patient
refuses to sign the report, a witness other than one of our personnel, if possible, should sign stating that the
patient refused to sign and was informed.
Patient Rights