NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamEMS OperationsMedium
An EMT is treating a 6-year-old child who has fallen from a swing set at a public park. The child is conscious, crying, and has a deformed forearm. The child's parents are not present, and the child is accompanied by a neighbor who states they are 'watching him for the afternoon.' What type of consent allows the EMT to provide care to the child?
- AInformed consent from the child.
- BIn loco parentis.
- CExpressed consent from the neighbor.
- DImplied consent.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. In loco parentis.
In loco parentis applies when a person, such as a teacher or babysitter, is legally responsible for a minor in the absence of a parent or legal guardian. The neighbor, acting in this capacity, can provide consent for the child's care.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A 6-year-old child is not legally able to provide informed consent for medical treatment.
- C. While the neighbor gives expressed consent, the legal basis for them to do so for a minor is 'in loco parentis'.
- D. Implied consent is typically for unconscious or incapacitated patients when no guardian is present.
In Loco Parentis
A legal doctrine where an individual, not a biological parent or legal guardian, assumes the parental rights and responsibilities for a minor.
- Allows for consent for medical treatment of a minor.
- Applies to teachers, camp counselors, or babysitters.
- Requires the parent/guardian to be absent and the minor to need care.
Memory trick: Parents permit, Loco acts, Emancipated decides.