Refusing medical treatment- any EMS out there?

You have the legal right to refuse medical care regardless of the severity of your injury or illness. You must be an adult and of sound mind in order to make decisions based on your healthcare though. Intoxicated or persons under the influence of drugs are deemed incompetent to make these decisions as are people with known mental disorders.

As for Sara's comment on DNR's, a DNR spells out your wishes and does not mean we will sit around and watch you die. A DNR (commonly called a POLST form) is filled out by you and your doctor and must be properly filled out for it to be legal. Additionally, you could cancel the DNR at anytime and so could your family. If a DNR is in effect we will follow your wishes and at a minimum you will get comfort care measures.

There is some question as to whether a DNR tattoo is legal.

Consent laws very from state to state and you can be forced to receive treatment under certain conditions. If you have specific concerns over consent in your state it would be prudent to check your state laws.

If medical responders don't know about any DNRs or living wills than they can do anything they want to save your life. If you verbally say you don't want any medical attention - they will likely say you were not in your right mind and give you medical attention anyway. If you have a DNR taped to your forehead when they get to you I've heard they can't do anything to revive you but I don't know for sure.

Usually living wills don't apply if there is confidence that you will make a complete recovery with the help of medical attention. DNR's - if you code (heart stops) they just have to stand there and watch you die.

They can always take you off life support at the hospital after they are made aware of your wishes.

Interesting, thank you. I saw a man once with 'do not resuscitate' tattooed to his chest and I suppose that would do.