Consent

TL;DR

Permission obtained from a conscious individual before administering first aid.

What is Consent?

Consent in first aid is the voluntary agreement of a conscious and capable individual to receive medical treatment or first aid from a first aider or medical professional. Obtaining consent is a critical aspect of ethical first aid practice and respects the individual's autonomy and legal rights.

There are two types of consent: express consent, where the individual verbally or in writing agrees to the treatment, and implied consent, which applies when the individual is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to give express consent, and immediate action is necessary to prevent serious harm or death.

To obtain consent, the first aider should clearly explain their identity, the nature of the injury or illness, and the intended first aid measures. The individual should be informed of the risks and benefits of the proposed treatment.

If the individual refuses help, their decision must be respected, provided they are competent to make such a choice.

In situations involving minors or individuals unable to make informed decisions, consent should be obtained from a parent, guardian, or legal representative if available. In the absence of such a representative, implied consent is generally assumed in life-threatening emergencies.

Documentation of the consent process, especially in formal healthcare settings, helps protect both the individual and the provider.

Types of Consent

• Expressed Consent: When the casualty verbally or physically agrees to receive first aid.
• Implied Consent: When the casualty is unconscious or unable to respond, and consent is assumed.

Takeaway to remember

Consent is the process of obtaining permission from a casualty before providing first aid. It is an essential legal and ethical aspect of first aid.

Reference

• First Aid eBook