S-412

Question 1

Purpose

Answer 1

To establish a procedure for a patient or designated decision maker to refuse care (assessment, treatment, or transport) or request an alternate disposition by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.

Question 2

Against Medical Advice (AMA):

Answer 2

The refusal of treatment or transport by an emergency patient or his/her designated decision maker against the advice of the medical personnel on scene or of the Base Hospital.

Question 3

Designated Decision Maker (DDM):

Answer 3

An individual to whom a person has legally given the authority to make medical decisions concerning the person’s health care (i.e., a parent, legal guardian, and “attorney-in-fact” through a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, or an “agent” through an Advance Health Care Directive).

Question 4

Emergency Patient:

Answer 4

Any person for whom the EMS/9-1-1 system has been activated and who meets the following criteria:
1. Has a chief complaint or suspected illness or injury
2. Is not oriented to person, place, time, or event
3. Requires or requests field treatment or transport
4. Is a minor who is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and is ill or injured, or appears to be ill or injured

Question 5

Release:

Answer 5

A call outcome that occurs when the patient and the EMS personnel (including the Base Hospital if a base was contacted) agree that the illness/injury does not require immediate treatment/transport via emergency/9-1-1 services and the patient does not require the services of a prehospital system.