Ethics and Law
True or False, lawsuits to care providers who have provided care at the scene of an emergency are common and successful?
False - Generally lawsuits against those who give care at the scene of an emergency are highly unusual and
rarely successful
What is advocacy?
Hearing, respecting and acting on a patients concerns and wishes with regards to care.
Who, except the patient, can you share patient treatment information with?
Law enforcement or other care personnel who are having a direct interest to the patient or their care.
True of False, laws and regulations vary in every region and is dependent on role and scope of practice?
True and therefore you must ensure that you are aware of the legislation and regulations that apply to you, your role and scope of practice.
Does the Good Samaritan Law protect you while you are at work as an emergency care provider?
No the good Samaritan law only protects you when you provide emergency care voluntarily. (Not Professionally)
When transfering care what information is important to communicate? (list 4 Items)
Pt info, age, name, known information
Cheif complaint
Pt Hx of what happend
Past Hx if you have it
Treatment provided and changes since treatment
Pt Vx signs and changes in them
Do you have autonomy to provide care for an adult who is under the care of another legal guardian? i.e a care person and my not be able to advocate for their own consent.
No, If the person is an adult who is under a legal guardian’s care, you must also get the guardian’s consent to provide care.
Name one exception to leave a patient prior to transfer treatment to further care personnel?
When a patient refuses further care or revokes their consent.
List the four main reasons for documentation
1. Medical:To document the care that you
provided
2. Legal: To defend against lawsuits, as well as possibly serve as evidence in court proceedings (e.g., if an act of violence was involved)
3. Administrative: To transfer information about the individual from one person to another
4. Research: To improve your EMS system.
At what age is someone old enough to reject first aid?
There is no specific age at which someone can reject first aid. You as the responder must judge whether the patient is able to advocate for their own treatment
When obtaining consent, you must do which 4 Items?
1. Identify yourself to the person.
2. State your level of training.
3. Explain what you think may be wrong.
4. Explain what you plan to do
True or false? If a patient is becoming hostile you must remain on scene pin them down and force them to receive your medical expertise
False if a patient who requires care is hostile toward you, try to explain calmly who you are and that you are there to help. If the patient refuses your care or threatens you, withdraw from the scene. Never try to restrain or argue with a patient, or to provide care without consent.