Research Problem Semester 2, 2022

A paramedic is called to a suspected overdose by a 23-year-old male patient. On arrival, a male meets the paramedic at the door and identifies himself as Carson. He tells the paramedic he thinks his boyfriend, Roy, may have taken an overdose. He also says, in the two years they have lived together, Roy has been a recreational drug user, specifically MDMA; is a heavy drinker; and has been treated by his doctor for depression in the past. Roy's sister, Lisa, who lives in the UK, knows about her brother being a recreational drug user and is frustrated with his behaviour. She contacts him twice a year in a bid to talk him out of his habit. After Carson leads the paramedic upstairs to Roy, the paramedic questions him about Roy's behaviour recently. Carson says, "Roy has seemed really good. I don't think he has been depressed lately but I know he hides the drug use from me because it upsets me." Carson confirms that he did not observe Roy take any drugs prior to calling for the paramedics. When the paramedic gets upstairs, she sees Roy lying in bed. When Roy sees the paramedic, he starts yelling at Carson, "what did you call them for?" and becomes extremely agitated. The paramedic begins to ask Roy questions about himself but some of his answers are incomprehensible and he seems to have an altered level of consciousness. He gets very upset when the paramedic moves closer to him. There is white powder on the night stand but Roy will not say what it is. Carson tells the paramedic it could be MDMA and Roy's symptoms are consistent with an overdose of this drug. The paramedic decides that Roy needs an IV and immediate transport to hospital. When the paramedic asks Roy whether he would consent to an IV and transport, he tells you he doesn't like needles and doesn't want to go to the hospital. Carson immediately calls Roy's sister in the UK to let her know the situation with her brother. Lisa, says, "let Roy decide for himself whether he wants an IV and to be transported to hospital, after all it is his life." Carson tells the paramedic to, "do what you can for him. I will consent for you to treat and transport him". The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) seeks the following advice for similar future situations: 1. Does Roy have capacity under the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 to make his own decisions?

1. How can you check that the legislation you have located is current? Ensure you explain your answer.
2. Identify at least two databases to locate the key legislation for this task. Explain the process for finding the relevant provision in those databases.