What is the goal when assessing the patient’s capacity to refuse EMS care?

• A. To ensure the patient can make an informed decision at the time of refusal
• B. To verify consent is voluntary
• C. To determine payment obligations
• D. To document vital signs

Answer: (A)

Capacity to refuse EMS care is about whether the patient can make an informed decision at the moment of refusal. This means they must understand what care is being offered, the consequences of accepting or refusing, the benefits and risks, and any alternatives, and they must be able to communicate a clear, voluntary choice. When these elements are present, the refusal is considered valid. If the patient cannot understand or communicate a decision, you should involve a surrogate decision maker or obtain guidance from medical control. The other options don’t address the patient’s ability to understand and decide, such as payment issues, simply recording vital signs, or confirming voluntary consent.