When taking on the responsibility to provide care for the ill or injured person, you must obtain consent to treat. Actual consent from a patient is a nod of the head or a verbal statement. A conscious patient who doesn't resist care is also assumed to have given consent. Implied consent is given if the patient is unconscious or unable to express their wishes. We assume a patient would want help if they could communicate. Obtaining consent is often as simple as identifying yourself, your level of training and by asking, "May I help you?"

When a child or minor (under the age of 18) is involved in an accident or emergency, they should be treated under implied consent.

They are not considered old enough to refuse treatment. However, if the parent refuses treatment, you may not provide care to the child. Whenever possible, parental permission should be obtained prior to treatment of infants and children, but never withhold life saving treatment from a minor while trying to locate a parent.

If, when you ask for consent to treat, an alert, adult patient refuses treatment, you may not provide care for them. You should still call 91 1 and stay close in case they become unconscious, their condition worsens or they change their mind. Most times, people who refuse care are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but they may also refuse due to ethical or religious beliefs. Other factors such as head injury or impaired judgment may cause a patient to refuse treatment. Make sure your own safety remains the first priority.

Although you have no obligation to provide first aid care to anyone, once started, you have a legal obligation to continue providing care. Leaving a patient once care has begun is considered abandonment. You must continue providing care until someone of equal or higher training relieves you. Transferring patient care to EMS personnel relieves you of the responsibility without abandoning the patient. Negligence can occur when the medical care you provide deviates from the generally accepted standards. As a result of this deviation, further injury to the patient may occur. To avoid this situation, use the training and skills you have been taught in this course. These skills are considered within the scope of practice for first aid. Think how you would like to be treated and treat others accordingly.

While moral obligations may exist for you to help someone in need, a legal obligation does not. Although some employers may require a worker to act as part of their job description, the bystander has no "duty to act."

When you are providing care for a patient, you may become privy to personal 8. confidential information. This information could be embarrassing to the patient or the family if revealed. It is crucial that you are careful what information you disclose and to whom you disclose it. Providing the information to EMS personnel is a must, but that is where it should end. Also be aware of a patient's right to privacy. During an emergency, parts of the patient's body may be exposed to provide care. Try to cover the patient when treatment is done or if no treatment is necessary.