Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

In the absence of parents, what should a medic do in an emergency with a minor?

1. Wait for parental consent

2. Assume implied consent

3. Consult with a legal advisor

4. Contact child protective services

The correct answer is: Assume implied consent

In emergency medical situations, particularly with minors, the concept of implied consent plays a critical role in providing necessary medical care. Implied consent applies in scenarios where immediate action is required to prevent harm or to provide life-saving treatment when a parent or guardian is not present. It is based on the assumption that a reasonable person would consent to treatment if they were able to provide their consent. In cases where a minor requires urgent medical attention and no parents or guardians are available to give explicit consent, health care providers—including paramedics—are generally allowed to proceed under the premise that caregivers would authorize treatment if they could. This helps ensure that critical care is not delayed due to legal formalities, potentially saving a life or preventing further injury. While options such as waiting for parental consent or consulting a legal advisor may seem reasonable, they are impractical in emergencies where time is of the essence. Engaging child protective services might also be necessary in some scenarios but doesn’t directly address the immediate need for medical care. Therefore, assuming implied consent is the appropriate course of action in these urgent situations to ensure that the minor receives prompt treatment.