Yeah, I was talking about in cases where the patient can respond. In non-responsive states consent is implied.Originally Posted by Ryll
I learned something on this topic last year, but I can't remember the specifics. In Australia I think you're obliged to do what a "decent human being" would do, but our laws have something that covers your ass - if you did something in good faith, you're not liable even if you screw up. This is talking about medically untrained persons. Pretty sure medically trained people are ethically obliged to help somehow. (this is all assuming consent is given or unable to be given)
The standard greeting thing happens here too (not sure how it compares to USA), but whether it's commonplace or not doesn't concern me. "Everyone says they're alright, it doesn't mean they really are" doesn't work for me. If you say you're alright, I take it so.