ETOH intoxication- How do you clear if your not going to transport?

[fiznat]

I don't understand why this topic needs to come up every month or so. It is always the same discussion, and it always ends up the same way.

In my opinion, it boils down to this:

If the patient is alert, oriented, and subjectively capable of making an informed decision, he or she may refuse.

Otherwise, he or she may not refuse.

The sticking point here is always of course in the subjectivity of "informed decision" and "alert and oriented." That is going to have to be a personal, on-the-scene decision that an individual provider makes based on his/her assessment of their unique patient at that particular point in time. There is no broad rule here to answer the question once and for all, which is why it is so frustrating to see this topic come up over and over again. Anyone who says they "never clear drunks" or will "always clear drunks" is either lying or an idiot. The assessment is subjective, and relies on a very simple and basic rule, as noted above.

[wrmedic82]

I don't understand why this topic needs to come up every month or so. It is always the same discussion, and it always ends up the same way.

In my opinion, it boils down to this:

If the patient is alert, oriented, and subjectively capable of making an informed decision, he or she may refuse.

Otherwise, he or she may not refuse.

The sticking point here is always of course in the subjectivity of "informed decision" and "alert and oriented." That is going to have to be a personal, on-the-scene decision that an individual provider makes based on his/her assessment of their unique patient at that particular point in time. There is no broad rule here to answer the question once and for all, which is why it is so frustrating to see this topic come up over and over again. Anyone who says they "never clear drunks" or will "always clear drunks" is either lying or an idiot. The assessment is subjective, and relies on a very simple and basic rule, as noted above.

Fiznat,

The question isnt whether or not we transport. So assume you have come to the conclusion this person aint goin to the hospital. So the question is how are you going to clear the call. Would you have the person/patient sign a AMA refusal, Release at scene and document the contact and that there were no medical complaints, or would you say this is a false call and clear the scene.