When a patient regains decision-making capacity during EMS transport, clinicians should:

• A. Continue treatment without consent
• B. Stop all treatment
• C. Obtain informed consent for ongoing treatment
• D. Seek consent from legal guardians only

Answer: (C)

When a patient regains decision-making capacity, they regain the right to decide about their own care and must authorize any ongoing treatment through informed consent. Informed consent means clearly explaining what treatment is being proposed, the risks and benefits, available alternatives, and what happens if they choose not to proceed, then obtaining the patient’s voluntary agreement. If they consent, you continue care; if they refuse, you must respect their decision and adjust care accordingly. Guardians or surrogates are involved only when the patient cannot make decisions themselves, not when the patient is capable.