A reminder, we should all be trained to do and we should treat patients with respect and politeness. The "scope of practice" is what a provider can provide and "standard of care" is used to describe the yardstick by which that care is measured. Most states have Good Samaritan Laws, including New Jersey and add a layer of protection as longer as the provider is not grossly negligent.
Consent: When treating a patient, it is good practice to identify yourself and ask permission to treat. Do this as part of our initial assessment and upon each set where we have hands on contact. Explain each step to the patient. "Informed Consent" is the process, ongoing thought our care, whee a reliable patient agrees to treatment and being informed of risks and benefits.
The law assumes that a patient who is not fully alert and oriented would want emergency care. This concept is called "Implied consent."
Confidentiality: Providers of care can turn over information to other providers but NOT to other colleagues or friends. This would be a breach of medical confidentiality under medical ethics and under state laws.
Abandonment: Abandonment happens when you stop care too soon or transfer the patient to someone who is not able to provide the care the patient need. One must consider the level of care needed and who they are to whom they are transferring control.
Reference:
Wilderness Medicine, National Outdoor Leadership School, Tod Schimelpfenig, 2006, Stackpole Books, ISbN-13: 978-0-8117-3306-9
First Aid, CPR, and AED Advanced, Emegency Care & Safety Institute, Sixth Edition, Jones and Bartlett Learning, ISBN: 978-1-4496-3505-3