Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

In pre-hospital care, which situation justifies implying consent?

1. When the patient is confused

2. When the situation is not life-threatening

3. When the patient is a minor

4. When the patient cannot respond due to a medical emergency

The correct answer is: When the patient cannot respond due to a medical emergency

Implied consent in pre-hospital care occurs when a patient is unable to communicate their wishes or provide explicit consent due to an emergency situation. In cases where a patient is in a medical emergency and cannot respond—such as being unconscious or incapacitated—the assumption is made that they would want lifesaving treatment if they were able to consent. This principle is especially vital in emergencies where delays in treatment could jeopardize the patient's health or survival. In contrast, situations where the patient is confused may not always warrant implied consent, as there may still be a degree of understanding or capacity for decision-making. Similarly, non-life-threatening situations allow for the potential to seek informed consent from patients, who may be lucid enough to make their own choices. When dealing with minors, parental or guardian consent is typically required, along with consideration of the minor's ability to comprehend the situation. Hence, the context of medical emergencies provides a clear justification for relying on implied consent.