During an emergency situation, what is the best practice if obtaining consent is problematic?

In emergency situations, the best practice is to proceed with treatment if it is life-saving. This principle is rooted in the ethical and legal necessity to prioritize the patient's health and well-being over procedural formalities. When a person's life is at risk, the immediate need for intervention takes precedence over the routine requirement of obtaining consent. It is understood that in emergencies, the patient may be unable to give prior consent due to their condition; therefore, healthcare providers are permitted to act in the best interests of the patient.

This approach aligns with the doctrine of implied consent, which allows healthcare professionals to provide necessary care in circumstances where a delay could lead to serious harm or death. It emphasizes the importance of acting decisively to stabilize the patient before attending to administrative or legal aspects of consent.

In contrast, waiting until consent is obtained can be detrimental and pose serious risks to the patient's health. Seeking advice from the dental board or documenting the situation thoroughly is also important but should not delay immediate life-saving treatment. While thorough documentation is essential for legal and ethical reasons, it should not come at the expense of timely care in emergencies.