What happens if a patient is alert and able to consent to treatment?

• A. The health care agent must make the decision.
• B. EMS should suspend treatment until consent is confirmed.
• C. The health care agent has no authority, and treatment should continue based on the patient's consent.
• D. The patient must sign a new consent form before treatment.

Answer: (C)

When a patient is alert and capable, they alone determine whether to proceed with treatment. The health care agent acts only if the patient cannot give consent due to illness or lack of capacity, so their input isn’t needed when the patient is competent. In this situation, treatment should continue based on what the patient consents to, and the agent has no authority to override that decision. Consent can be given verbally in the field, and there’s no requirement to obtain a new signed form before proceeding.