Ethics

Ethics are the moral principles that govern EMS providers' behavior in service to their profession, organization and community.

The EMT Code of Ethics, written by Charles B. Gillespie, M.D., and adopted by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, spells out the pledges for ethical behavior as an EMS practitioner, including, in part, "To provide services based on human need, with compassion and respect for human dignity, unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, color, or status; to not judge the merits of the patient’s request for service, nor allow the patient’s socioeconomic status to influence our demeanor or the care that we provide."

This code of ethics governs EMS providers' actions in regards to patient privacy, professional competence and education, and social media use.

The ethics topic contains news, strategies and expert-written articles for EMTs, AEMTs, paramedics, and EMS leaders on the importance of understanding ethics, acting ethically as a caregiver, ethical decision making as a field provider or leader, the consequences of unethical decisions and actions, and how to lead ethically.

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Report faults Calif. firefighters for not entering acute care center to treat dying patient in 2021
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A Rialto captain, an FF-medic and an engineer are contesting disciplinary actions taken against them
Denver lieutenant, FF-EMT suspended after requesting death pronouncement for woman who was still alive
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During a welfare check, the firefighters found a woman who appeared to be deceased and reported this to a doctor, but neither had assessed the patient
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Aurora officials to vote on sedative ban
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City council members will vote on a 2-year ban on all chemical sedatives used to restrain patients as well as any new sedatives for medical purposes
What to do if you suspect Munchausen syndrome
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EMS clinicians should rely on their assessment and facts when assessing people with a suspected factitious disorder
EMS: Anyone could do it; not everyone should
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“EMS is a privilege that has been entrusted to you for safekeeping”
N.C. chief resigns, speaks out about incident that preceded agency's loss of contract
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“I definitely am not a racist,” said Shannon Worrell, who led the Lake Waccamaw Fire and Rescue Auxiliary, also defending his remark to a same-sex couple
N.C. county leaders end contract with EMS service as chief is investigated for racist remarks
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Shannon Worrell has been accused of expressing racist and homophobic sentiments at a restaurant
N.Y. law outlines specific offenses for unlawful sharing of personal images
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“Caroline’s Law” was first introduced after an EMT posted a murder victim’s photo to Facebook in 2009
Study: Black, Hispanic adults less likely to receive bystander CPR
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Initial findings showed that if cardiac arrest occurred in public, Black and Hispanic adults were 41% less likely to receive bystander CPR than white people
Minn. county leader calls for removal of EMS deputy chief, others over blackface photos
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Hennepin Healthcare, which has been told to address racism and health inequities, is investigating
Minn. hospital system in turmoil over blackface photos of EMS deputy chief, medic
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Hennepin Healthcare issued a letter two weeks ago pledging to address racism
Former Wis. paramedic acquitted of sexual assault alleged during ambulance ride
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Timothy E. Ovadal, 39, of Madison, wiped away tears as the verdicts came in
Patients in custody and in need of treatment: 8 recommendations for EMS
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Every EMS provider and leader has an obligation to heed the important lessons from the Elijah McClain case
What public safety professionals can learn from Olympians
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How to hone tactical athletic prowess, develop specialized skills, embrace teamwork and shine in the spotlight
Bystander duty of care: Off-duty EMS liability
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What we can learn about EMS responsibility to intervene from the death of George Floyd
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