3. Ethical challenges experienced by prehospital emergency personnel a practice-based model of analysis

Ethical challenges experienced by prehospital emergency personnel a practice-based model of analysis

Download here 

Average read time: 45 to 60 minutes

Short Summary of the Article:

The article, “Ethical Challenges Experienced by Prehospital Emergency Personnel: A Practice-Based Model of Analysis,” explores the ethical challenges encountered by emergency medical personnel, such as EMTs, paramedics, and prehospital anaesthesiologists. It emphasizes the difficulty of decision-making under time constraints, with limited patient information, and with restricted consultation opportunities. Ethical challenges arise from conflicts between clinical guidelines, legal requirements, and personal or professional values. These challenges often occur in the context of treating intoxicated patients, children, and end-of-life care. The paper proposes a practice-based model to address these challenges, focusing on patient care, organizational responsibilities, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this activity, you should have an understanding of:

1. Recognizing and Navigating Ethical Conflicts: Practitioners will learn to identify ethical conflicts that arise in prehospital emergency settings, particularly when clinical guidelines conflict with the practical realities of patient care, such as when dealing with intoxicated or non-compliant patients.
2. Ethical Decision-Making in Resource-Limited Contexts: They will gain insights into decision-making under time constraints, especially when resources are limited, and multiple patients or situations require attention simultaneously, such as during end-of-life care or trauma cases.
3. Collaboration and Professional Boundaries: Practitioners will understand how to manage professional boundaries and collaborate with other healthcare providers, relatives, and external professionals, such as law enforcement, while maintaining ethical integrity in patient care.