A countywide research study examining whether magnesium sulfate can protect stroke victims’ brains when administered by paramedics within two hours of stroke onset is now expanding to include patients who cannot give their immediate consent. “Deferred consent” in research studies is used in certain medical situations — such as cardiac arrest or severe stroke — that occur suddenly and render the victim incapable of providing informed consent for participation. Federal regulations enacted in 1996 allow deferred consent for research in select emergency circumstances in which the therapy may directly benefit the participant.
