What should EMS personnel do if a health care agent presents a power of attorney?

• A. Begin treatment, verify the agent's authority, and follow their instructions unless directed otherwise by medical control
• B. Begin treatment only after verification by medical control
• C. Refuse treatment until the patient or agent can be contacted
• D. Question the authority and request documentation

Answer: (A)

When a health care agent presents a power of attorney, EMS should treat the patient as soon as there’s a need for care, but take steps to confirm who has authority to decide about treatment. The agent’s authority comes from the legal document, so you verify that authority quickly and then follow the agent’s instructions, unless medical control directs you to do something different. This approach protects the patient’s wishes and ensures decisions are legitimate, while not delaying life-saving care.

In practice, you wouldn’t wait to treat while you’re trying to confirm authority, because delaying treatment can harm the patient. If you have any doubt about the agent’s authority after a quick verification, contact medical control for guidance. If the agent’s instructions conflict with what’s medically appropriate, you should obtain direction from medical control rather than proceed contrary to their guidance.