What should EMS personnel do if a patient is not oriented to person, place, or time?

When encountering a patient who is not oriented to person, place, or time, it is essential for EMS personnel to carefully assess their decision-making capacity. This evaluation is critical because orientation is a key indicator of cognitive function and awareness. When a patient is disoriented, it signifies that they may not fully grasp the situation around them, which can impact their ability to make informed decisions regarding their care and treatment.

Assessing decision-making capacity involves evaluating the patient's understanding of their medical condition, the risks and benefits of treatment options, and their ability to express a choice. This assessment is invaluable for determining the next steps in patient care and ensuring that the individual's rights and needs are respected during a potentially vulnerable time.

Other options like assessing for potential injuries, providing high-priority life-saving techniques, or requesting transport to an advanced care facility also hold value in specific contexts but do not directly address the immediate need to evaluate a disoriented patient's capacity to make decisions. This focus on decision-making capacity is paramount, as it directly influences subsequent management and interventions in the EMS setting.