You’re the Medic!
A man collapses at a wedding. He’s unconscious but wearing a “Do Not Resuscitate” bracelet. What do you do?
Check for a legal DNR order and confirm it matches his ID before withholding care.
A child at the playground has a scrape and says, “Help me!”
Consent.
A patient refuses care but their pet dog won’t stop barking at you. How do you calm the situation?
Secure the scene by keeping the dog calm and maintaining a safe distance.
True or False: You can legally treat someone who refuses care if they’re wearing a chicken costume.
False (refusal still applies regardless of attire).
A patient refuses care unless you tell them your most embarrassing story. Do you agree?
No, but explain their condition kindly and redirect focus to the situation.
A woman in labor at the grocery store refuses help, saying, "I’ve got this!" What do you do?
Respect her wishes but stay close and call for additional assistance if she changes her mind.
An unconscious biker on the road shows no signs of a DNR.
Consent (implied).
A patient halfway through refusing care suddenly says, “Fine, but only if you sing!” What do you do?
Follow their wishes (if reasonable) and document the interaction.
A famous celebrity refuses care, saying, “Don’t ruin my reputation with CPR bruises!” What’s the law say?
Refusal must still be documented like anyone else’s decision.
A mime refuses care, but you’re unsure if they’re serious. What do you do?
Assume implied consent if they’re non-verbal and in distress.
A teenager with a broken leg refuses help but is clearly in pain. What do you consider before acting?
Determine if they’re an emancipated minor or need implied consent based on their condition
A conscious person with a minor wound waves you off and says, “I’ll deal with it later.”
No Consent.
A person signs a refusal form, but their spouse insists you treat them anyway. Who’s in charge?
The patient’s decision takes precedence.
A tourist in the U.S. doesn’t understand your explanation of care. Can you proceed?
Yes, implied consent applies in emergencies.
A person refuses help but offers you pizza instead. What’s your response?
Decline the pizza and respect their refusal.
A person speaking a language you don’t understand is shaking their head while clutching their chest. What’s your move?
Assume implied consent and call for an interpreter if available while providing basic care.
An adult patient with a head injury insists they’re fine but is slurring their words.
No Consent (but consider implied consent due to impaired judgment)
A patient refuses care while live-streaming on TikTok. How do you handle this?
Maintain professionalism and document their refusal clearly, ignoring the live-stream distractions.
True or False: Good Samaritan laws protect you even if you treat a patient who refuses care.
False (laws don’t cover ignored refusals).
A magician refuses care, claiming they’ll “magic away” their injury. What’s your move?
Respect their decision but remain available if their condition worsens
A skydiver gets tangled in a tree and refuses care because "I signed a waiver!" What do you do?
Assess their mental state to ensure they’re making an informed decision; waivers don’t override immediate medical needs.
A prankster fakes unconsciousness to test your skills.
No Consent (once you realize it’s a prank).
An unconscious patient suddenly wakes up and starts arguing with you mid-treatment. What now?
Stop treatment, explain what’s happening, and obtain consent before proceeding.
If a patient refuses care but then passes out, can you treat them?
Yes, implied consent applies to unconscious patients.
A patient refuses care because Mercury is in retrograde. How do you convince them otherwise?
Provide facts calmly and respectfully, but document their refusal if they remain adamant.