Non-Patient
For the purposes of refusal of treatment and/or transport there is a subgroup of individuals that constitute the “non-patient”. This is a small group, and care should be taken in making the determination that the individual in fact meets the criteria for a “non-patient”. Non-patients still need documentation of their situation that led to an EMS request and any relevant information concerning potential illness or injury. All demographics should be included. Seriously consider obtaining a formal informed consent refusal when any question of the individual’s actual patient status is present. “Non-patients” do not need to sign a refusal form, however.
Minors present a unique problem. They can’t consent to assessment and treatment just as they can’t refuse it. If they meet the criteria for a “non-patient” when time allows a good faith effort should be made to contact parents or guardians and inform them of their minor child’s status and wishes. The guidance of the parent or guardian should be followed.
A “non-patient” is one that declines all assessment and treatment and meets all the following criteria:
1. Did not request EMS assistance or an ambulance
2. Presents with no current physical or psychological complaints
3. Has no symptoms, signs, or complaints of an active medical illness or a traumatic injury or evidence of the same
4. Is not impaired in anyway
For the purposes of refusal of treatment and/or transport there is a subgroup of individuals that constitute the “non-patient”. This is a small group, and care should be taken in making the determination that the individual in fact meets the criteria for a “non-patient”. Non-patients still need documentation of their situation that led to an EMS request and any relevant information concerning potential illness or injury. All demographics should be included. Seriously consider obtaining a formal informed consent refusal when any question of the individual’s actual patient status is present. “Non-patients” do not need to sign a refusal form, however.
Minors present a unique problem. They can’t consent to assessment and treatment just as they can’t refuse it. If they meet the criteria for a “non-patient” when time allows a good faith effort should be made to contact parents or guardians and inform them of their minor child’s status and wishes. The guidance of the parent or guardian should be followed.
A “non-patient” is one that declines all assessment and treatment and meets all the following criteria:
1. Did not request EMS assistance or an ambulance
2. Presents with no current physical or psychological complaints
3. Has no symptoms, signs, or complaints of an active medical illness or a traumatic injury or evidence of the same
4. Is not impaired in anyway