In a case where a son presents documentation as a healthcare proxy and does not want CPR performed on his mother, what should the EMT do?

In this scenario, the most appropriate action for the EMT is to first begin life-saving procedures and then call medical control. The rationale behind this approach is grounded in the principle of ensuring immediate care in a life-threatening situation while also adhering to protocols regarding medical decision-making authority.

When an emergency arises, the EMT's primary role is to provide care to the patient. In the context of a cardiac arrest, this involves initiating CPR as the first response to preserve life. The healthcare proxy documentation can be complex, and while the son has expressed his wishes not to have CPR performed on his mother, it is vital for EMTs to confirm the validity of the proxy and the specific directives within it.

By starting life-saving procedures first, the EMT is prioritizing the patient's immediate needs. Following that, contacting medical control allows for guidance on how to proceed next in accordance with the healthcare proxy's stipulations and local protocols. Medical control can confirm the legitimacy of the proxy and provide further instruction, ensuring that the actions taken align with legal and medical standards. This dual approach ensures both responsiveness to the emergency and compliance with legal directives.