General Discussion

jeff47

(26,549 posts)

4. Generally when someone's unconscious, you can assume they consent to anything necessary to save 'em

Wed Feb 22, 2012, 06:21 PM

Feb 2012

Not a lawyer, but I believe the "implied consent" laws of all states say unconscious people are assumed to have consented to any medical procedure that the medical professional deems necessary to save their life. Assuming a next-of-kin is not available to consent.

Way back during my first aid training the way we were taught to deal with people who refused treatment but obviously needed treatment (say, gushing blood) was to wait until they fall unconscious. The unconsciousness is a new symptom, and with that you are allowed to assume they would have asked for treatment if they could.

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"Can You Say Felony?" [View all] babylonsister Feb 2012 OP

I suppose the law won't stop this.... midnight Feb 2012 #1

I would love to see the assholes that voted for this vaginal probe BS prosecuted. Hepburn Feb 2012 #2

What about a speculum? They use those on unconscious pregnant women. HopeHoops Feb 2012 #3

Generally when someone's unconscious, you can assume they consent to anything necessary to save 'em jeff47 Feb 2012 #4

No. That's not true. My wife had to agree to everything they did while I was "out of it". HopeHoops Feb 2012 #5

It varies by state. NutmegYankee Feb 2012 #7

Well I pulled out my plugs and escaped from the MRI room in a wheel chair. HopeHoops Feb 2012 #9

Read that again. I said when a next-of-kin was not available. (nt) jeff47 Feb 2012 #10

Okay. Good point. HopeHoops Feb 2012 #11

Rec malaise Feb 2012 #6

So, perhaps the reason the Gov is backing off his pledge to sign the legislation into law rustydog Feb 2012 #8