If a responsive, competent adult refuses your first aid, what should you do?

When a responsive and competent adult refuses first aid, the appropriate action is to call 911 while continuing to engage with the victim. This approach is correct because the individual has the right to make decisions about their own body and healthcare. By calling 911, you ensure that professional help is on the way, while your continued communication with the person can help reassure them and gather any additional information that might be useful for the emergency responders.

Maintaining contact and a calm dialogue can also help the person feel supported and potentially reconsider their decision about refusing aid. It's essential to recognize the individual’s autonomy in medical situations, and constant encouragement and communication can foster trust and cooperation.

In the context of the other options, giving first aid without consent undermines the legal and ethical principles surrounding patient autonomy. Consulting a spouse or family member for consent could complicate the situation, as the individual may not have the authority to make health decisions on behalf of their spouse without explicit consent. Walking away is not appropriate because it leaves the individual without assistance and fails to seek further help that could be crucial.