Final answer:
When a patient refuses the services of EMS providers, the EMT's critical step is to have the patient sign and date the refusal form.
Step-by-step explanation:
When getting a refusal from a patient who does not want the services of EMS providers, it is critical for the EMT to have the patient sign and date the refusal form. This documentation ensures that the patient's decision to refuse care is properly recorded and protects the EMT from potential legal liability.
While it is important to make sure the patient has another way to get to the hospital if they refuse EMS services, this is not the most critical step. The EMT should also notify the hospital, but again, obtaining the patient's signed refusal form takes precedence. The patient's age is not directly relevant to the steps the EMT must take in the event of a refusal.