If a minor appears unresponsive, what is required before providing care?

When a minor appears unresponsive, obtaining consent from a parent or guardian is necessary before providing care. This is due to the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of minors. In most situations, healthcare providers and rescuers must ensure that they have permission from a parent or legal guardian to administer care, as the law typically requires parental consent for medical treatments involving minors.

Furthermore, in scenarios where the parent or guardian is not present and immediate care is needed to save the child's life, implied consent may apply. This means that if a reasonable person would believe that the guardian would consent to care in an emergency, and the child is in a situation where that care is urgent, the responder can act without explicit consent. However, in non-emergency situations or when there's time to reach out, consent from a parent or guardian is essential.

Immediate attention from a doctor, waiting for the person to become responsive, or calling emergency services might be necessary steps if the situation escalates, but obtaining consent is the first and most crucial action when dealing with an unresponsive minor.