In a situation where a family member opposes resuscitation, what action should be taken first?

In the scenario where a family member opposes resuscitation, the most appropriate initial action is to inquire about a living will or an out-of-hospital do-not-attempt-resuscitation (OOH-DNAR) order. This step is crucial because it addresses the legal and ethical aspects of the patient's wishes regarding resuscitation. A living will provides instructions about medical treatment preferences, while an OOH-DNAR order explicitly states the individual’s desire not to receive resuscitation in an out-of-hospital setting.

Understanding the patient's advance directives is essential before proceeding with any medical interventions. If a valid living will or OOH-DNAR order is present and clearly states that resuscitation should not be attempted, it will guide the EMT's actions and align with the patient's rights and wishes, ensuring that care is administered respectfully and legally.

Assessment of the patient's medical history or contacting the hospital could potentially be part of subsequent actions, but they do not directly address the immediate concern regarding the family member's opposition. Ceasing all resuscitative efforts immediately would only be appropriate if there was clear evidence of non-resuscitation directives, but without confirming the existence of such directives, it may be premature and disregard the patient's wishes.