Tag: Healthcare proxy

While there is no single, formal medical term for an emergency contact, this person is the first healthcare providers will contact if you are in a medical crisis. Understanding the role of an emergency contact is essential, especially when facing questions like **what is the medical term emergency contact?** and how their responsibilities differ from those of a healthcare proxy.

Studies indicate a large portion of the population automatically lists a parent or spouse as their primary emergency contact. However, an informed decision requires careful consideration of trust, proximity, and capability when determining **who is usually your emergency contact** and why it matters.

According to the American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics, a competent patient has the fundamental right to refuse any medical treatment, including life-sustaining interventions like intubation. This affirms that you can refuse to be intubated, a decision rooted in the principle of patient autonomy and one with critical medical and legal implications.