What document must be completed when a patient refuses treatment?

When a patient refuses treatment, completing a Patient Care Report (PCR) is essential because it serves as a legal document that details the assessment and actions taken by the emergency medical personnel. The PCR includes important information about the patient's condition, the care that was offered, and the patient's decision to refuse that care. This documentation is crucial not only for medical records but also for protecting the healthcare providers from potential legal issues that may arise from the refusal of treatment. It can demonstrate that appropriate care was provided and that the patient was informed of the risks associated with their decision.

In contrast, while a financial consent form might be relevant in other contexts, it does not pertain specifically to the patient's medical treatment or refusal. An incident report typically addresses unusual occurrences or errors but is not specifically designed for documenting patient refusals. The EMS Protocol Document is a reference for procedures and guidelines rather than a form used for individual patient encounters. Therefore, the PCR is the appropriate and necessary documentation for instances of treatment refusal.