Base Contact is required in alcohol intoxication for which scenarios?

Base Contact is required in alcohol intoxication for which scenarios?

• A. Only when the patient refuses transport
• B. For any red-asterisk indicated conditions and for refusals to transport to demonstrate decision-making capacity
• C. Never required
• D. Only when alcohol level is high

Answer: (B)

When a patient is intoxicated, you must initiate base contact whenever red-asterisk indicated conditions are present or the patient refuses transport, so decision-making capacity can be assessed and documented. The red-asterisk marks call for medical control input to guide disposition, and a refused transport requires an independent capacity check because intoxication can impair judgment. This approach ensures the patient’s safety and that the reason for any refusal or disposition is properly documented. It isn’t based on the level of alcohol alone, and it isn’t limited to refusals or any other single scenario.

When a patient is intoxicated, you must initiate base contact whenever red-asterisk indicated conditions are present or the patient refuses transport, so decision-making capacity can be assessed and documented. The red-asterisk marks call for medical control input to guide disposition, and a refused transport requires an independent capacity check because intoxication can impair judgment. This approach ensures the patient’s safety and that the reason for any refusal or disposition is properly documented. It isn’t based on the level of alcohol alone, and it isn’t limited to refusals or any other single scenario.