What should BFR-EMS personnel do if a patient refuses care?

The best course of action when a patient refuses care is to document the refusal and ensure a witness is present to verify the refusal. This is crucial for several reasons. First, thorough documentation provides a legal safeguard for EMS personnel by creating a record of the patient's decision and the context in which it occurred. This is particularly important should any disputes or claims arise later regarding the refusal of care.

Having a witness present during the refusal further strengthens the documentation by providing an additional perspective that can confirm the patient's wishes. It ensures that the process is transparent and that the patient was fully informed about their condition and the implications of refusing care, which is essential for protecting the rights of both the patient and the EMS providers.

In contrast, providing care against the patient's wishes could lead to legal complications or ethical concerns regarding autonomy and consent. Contacting the patient's family for additional consent may not be appropriate if the patient is fully capable of making their own healthcare decisions and has expressed a clear refusal. Clearly stating the refusal in the media is not relevant or appropriate in this context and does not serve a practical purpose in patient care or documentation.