If I am of sound mind, and a relative calls an ambulance for me, I am taken to the ER with a life-threatening condition, the relative demands I be treated, but I refuse to sign for it or give my consent (and I am totally conscious) -- will they refuse to treat me?
2007-08-18 08:39:39 · 7 answers · asked by mickeymann 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Yes, you can refuse treatment. They will ask you to sign an "Against Medical Advice" form and send you on your way.
If they think you are not competent to make that decision, they'll get a psych consult and/or a court order.
2007-08-18 09:37:17 · answer #1 · answered by Pangolin 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Oh yeah, you can refuse treatment although it is not in your best interest. I did such a thing, and almost payed for it. I was in a car accident years ago and suffered a collapsed lung, which I did not believe that I had. I was in tremendous pain, but I was breathing. In fact, the way I was reacting in the ER, the doctors did not think that anything was wrong until the X-Rays came back and then there were doctors everywhere. The next thing I knew a surgeon came in and explained the situation to me and wanted to put a chest tube in me. I just said that I wanted to go home. I also had a severe leg injury so that was not going to happen. But I initially refused the chest tube. After talking with the surgeon, he finally said that by that evening I would not be able to breathe and that it would be life threatening at that point, if I did not have this done. I refused it out of fear. He finally gave in and walked out shaking his head. I thought about what he said and called him back, just as he had walked out the door, and said OK. I am glad that I did, as even with the chest tube, I had problems breathing that night and was in great pain.
The point, listen to what the doctor says and make a judgment based on the information given to you. Do not let emotions and fears block your good judgment.
2007-08-18 18:09:32 · answer #2 · answered by chahn11 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you can simply deny the ride to the hospital in the ambulance from the start.
That's an expensive ride for nothing. = about $1000
and yes, if sound of mind you can deny anything,
if your at least 17 / 18 (depends on what state)
2007-08-18 08:45:44 · answer #3 · answered by Mercury 2010 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is definitely in your best interest to get treatment of course. It depends on the condition. For example, if you are bleeding from a stab wound they will still treat you. Honestly, it is a very strange question with no defined answer.
2007-08-18 09:17:25 · answer #4 · answered by Peace, Love, Gun<3☎ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you're competent, you have the right to be a damned fool, absolutely. Being concious, though, isn't enough. You have to be an adult, and sober, and without any known reason to be incompetent. If you're suicidal, crazy is a good enough reason to treat without consent.
2007-08-18 14:31:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
probably not but if you can convince then that's this is what you want quality of life and so forth then they will but if you say my religion wont let me or the martians are waiting for me to die then they will treat you so your family cant sue then latter
2007-08-18 08:48:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
depending on your age,yes they will let you go
2007-08-18 08:48:48 · answer #7 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋