You are at the scene of an MVA, with three patients showing minor injuries. One is in pain, the others refuse treatment. How should you proceed?

In this scenario, the appropriate course of action is to have a partner obtain refusals from the two patients who do not want treatment while you attend to the third patient who is in pain. This approach ensures that you are addressing the needs of the patient who requires immediate care while also respecting the autonomy of the other patients.

By having a partner secure the refusals, you are properly documenting the decision-making process of those individuals who choose not to receive care, which is important for legal and ethical reasons. It is crucial in the pre-hospital environment to ensure that informed consent is clearly documented, especially in situations where patients may refuse treatment. This dual approach allows for the provision of care to the patient in need without neglecting the others or violating their right to refuse treatment.

This option effectively prioritizes patient care while adhering to legal protocols related to treatment and refusal.