What type of consent is required to perform CPR on an adult?

In emergency situations where an adult is unresponsive, implied consent is the principle that applies when performing CPR. This is based on the assumption that any reasonable person would want life-saving measures to be taken if they were unable to communicate their wishes due to a medical emergency. Implied consent allows first responders and bystanders to provide necessary care without explicitly asking for permission, as doing so could delay critical treatment.

Expressed consent from the victim would typically require the person to be conscious and able to communicate their agreement, which is not possible when the individual is unresponsive. Written consent from a family member is also impractical in an emergency setting where immediate action is essential. Lastly, stating that no consent is needed overlooks the ethical and legal standards regarding patient care; implied consent acknowledges the urgency of the situation while still respecting the individual’s rights. Therefore, in the context of a life-threatening emergency where the person cannot provide consent, implied consent is the appropriate type to proceed with CPR.