A theoretical foundation is described by summarizing currently accepted concepts of consent and refusal. These concepts are then placed in the context of the paramedic environment, which by its very nature makes decisions about consent very difficult. Three cases are briefly reviewed in light of these concepts and four areas for investigation are identified. It is argued there exists a need for the assessment of the skill and education of paramedics so that they may be better equipped to make decisions acceptable to the wider medical community.
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