Minors

Also See: North Coast EMS Care of Minor in the Field Policy #2303.

MINORS LACK LEGAL CAPACITY TO CONSENT TO OR REFUSE MEDICAL CARE.
It is always preferable to get the consent of the parent or guardian, of course. The treating facility must make “every effort” to obtain the consent of the parent, but if they are not present or available the inability to get their consent does not preclude holding and treatment of an involuntary minor (WIC 5585.50).

WIC 5008 (m):  “Emergency” means a situation in which action to impose treatment over the person’s objection is immediately necessary for the preservation of life or the prevention of serious bodily harm to the patient or others, and it is impracticable to first gain consent. It is not necessary for harm to take place, or for it to become unavoidable prior to treatment.