How should a First Responder proceed if they cannot quickly obtain consent for a minor?

In situations where a First Responder is faced with providing care to a minor and cannot quickly obtain consent, the most appropriate course of action is to give the appropriate emergency treatment. This principle is grounded in the legal doctrine of implied consent, which assumes that a reasonable person would consent to life-saving treatment if they were able to do so.

In emergencies, particularly where the minor's health or life is at risk, the priority is to ensure that they receive the necessary medical attention without unnecessary delay. The focus in emergency response is to stabilize and treat the individual, especially since waiting for parental consent may result in worsening of the minor's condition. Health professionals are trained to act in the best interest of the patient, and, in cases of immediate danger, it is understood that consent can be implied by the circumstances when it is not feasible to obtain explicit permission.

While contacting the minor's parents for advice may seem like a responsible option, it does not take precedence over the urgent need for emergency care. Similarly, delaying treatment until consent is obtained could endanger the minor's health and is not a suitable approach in emergency situations. Refusing care altogether contradicts the ethical responsibilities of First Responders to ensure patient safety and wellness.