Does Patient Autonomy Outweigh Duty to Treat?

Case Dr. Avery, a second-year emergency medicine resident, was on duty in a large urban hospital one night with 2 other residents, when a police officer escorted in a young man. The officer had found Scott Daley semi-conscious and with a cut on his head. When questioned by the officer, Mr. Daley had responded quickly, telling the officer that he had fallen. He then stood up and walked without difficulty. To be on the safe side, the officer decided that Mr. Daley should receive medical attention. Mr. Daley agreed.