Final answer:
In an emergency, when someone is unable to make treatment decisions, a healthcare proxy can provide consent on their behalf.
Step-by-step explanation:
In emergency situations, when an individual is incapable of making treatment decisions, a healthcare proxy or surrogate can provide consent on their behalf. This person is designated by the individual as per their advanced directive or living will, which outlines their medical preferences and wishes in case they are unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves.
For example, if a terminally ill person has specified in their living will that they do not want life-extending treatments or resuscitation, their healthcare proxy will communicate this preference to the medical team and provide consent accordingly. This ensures that immediate treatment can be provided while respecting the individual's wishes.
Parents can also provide consent for medical treatment on behalf of their children since children are not considered competent to give consent for themselves.