Page 6 - EMS CPR Manual V1

6
CONSENT
Prior to rendering first aid you must first gain consent from the casualty:
• If the casualty refuses assistance, you must respect their decision.
• If the casualty is unresponsive or not of sound mind, then it assumed that they would give consent if they were fully conscious and you may proceed in providing care on that basis.
• If the casualty is a child, then the parent/guardian should be asked permission, however if there is no parent/guardian present and the injury or illness is life threatening, then immediate first aid should be provided.
PRIVACY
Personal information about a casualty is confidential and should not be disclosed unless it is directly related to the wellbeing of the casualty. Disclosing information relevant to the casualty’s condition may be passed directly to Emergency Services Personnel, treating Doctors and where necessary persons providing First Aid. It is also appropriate to pass on information regarding the incident and the treatment of the casualty for the purpose of reporting to governing bodies. Inappropriate disclosure of personal information is unethical and in some cases is illegal.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS