Once at Arthur's premises, the paramedics assessed his vital signs, administered GTN in tablet form, and performed an electrocardiogram (ECG), which indicated some abnormal cardiac activity consistent with a heart attack. The paramedics advised that Arthur should go with them to hospital for further investigation, however by this time he was feeling a little better. He also did not want to go to hospital and wait around for a bunch of tests that would not tell him anything new - he had experienced hypertension for many years and a bit of chest discomfort, but this always eased on rest. He hated being hooked up to machines and "drips". He and Elsie had talked about that neither of them wanted to be kept alive by some noisy ventilator. He refused further care and declined to go with the paramedics. He could manage on his own. As the paramedics were packing up to leave Arthur again experienced some chest pain and grimaced due to the pain. The paramedics attempted to reassess him, but he refused saying he would be going inside and lying down until his wife returned. She was a nurse, and he would be fine once she was home from her shift. The paramedics had to leave without completing a further assessment of Arthur. They stressed, at length, that it was in Arthur's interest to seek medical attention to find why the chest pain was occurring.

Arthur's refusal to be treated by the paramedics was a cause for concern as his medical condition deteriorated.

1. In relation to Queensland law, discuss whether the paramedics are legally liable for treating Arthur while he was unresponsive in his home when he had refused treatment earlier in the day. Must include the relevant legal authority (legislation and case law)
2. Discuss the rationale for the legal obligation to obtain consent to provide healthcare treatment to patients.