JBL EMT Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

In this situation, the correct statement is "A mentally competent adult can withdraw his or her consent to treat at any time." It is crucial to uphold a patient's right to autonomy and self-determination. In the scenario described, the patient is conscious, alert, and not mentally incapacitated, which indicates that he has the capacity to make decisions about his medical care. As such, if a competent adult patient decides to refuse treatment or transport to the hospital, their decision must be respected, even if the healthcare provider suspects a serious underlying condition.

Options B, C, and D are incorrect:

- Option B is incorrect because while documentation of patient refusal is advisable, it is not a legal requirement for a patient to refuse EMS treatment.

- Option C is incorrect because forcing the patient to go to the hospital against his will when he is competent to make decisions about his care goes against the principle of respecting patient autonomy.

- Option D is incorrect because competent patients have the legal right to refuse treatment, even if they are already in the ambulance.