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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Ill. paramedics, retired fire lieutenant sued over photo of dying man
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The suit claims medics allowed the photo to be taken and that the retired lieutenant posted it online implying the man was a looter during civil unrest
NM county moves ahead with vaccine mandate despite union concerns, threatened litigation
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The union representing Doña Ana County firefighters questioned why paid county first responders are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while volunteers are not required
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Seattle FF-EMT accused of sending threats to city council member from work email
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The firefighter-EMT was arrested while coming off duty on Friday morning
Fla. police announce findings of investigation into fire lieutenant over missing vaccine
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The investigation at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue concluded weeks after a Polk County paramedic and captain were arrested in a separate vaccine theft case
Mass. police officer suspended after being seen on video slapping patient in stretcher
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Worcester police officials announced this week that they have completed their investigation into the video posted on Facebook in July
SC FD clashes with EMS training center after FFs accused of cheating, expelled
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An internal investigation by the Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department cleared the expelled firefighters of misconduct and raised criticism of the training center's policies
Fla. fire captain accused in vaccine theft turns himself in
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Polk County Fire Rescue Capt. Tony Damiano is accused of ordering Paramedic Joshua Colon, who was also arrested, to steal the vaccine doses meant for first responders
Pa. EMT charged with illegally recording interactions with patients
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Police received a complaint that Nathan G. Appel, 24, was filming and recording audio of patients without their knowledge while treating them
Fla. paramedic arrested for allegedly helping fire captain steal COVID-19 vaccines
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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said authorities are also planning to arrest the accused Polk County Fire Rescue captain when he returns from an out-of-state work assignment
Parents praise OKC FF disciplined for transporting child in fire engine, say EMS system 'failed'
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The parents of the 3-year-old girl who suffered burns in a cooking accident said they waited 20 minutes for an ambulance before the firefighter offered to transport her
Off-duty FDNY EMT allegedly burglarized dying landlord's apartment after rendering aid
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Police say the EMT stole more than $30,000 worth of belongings after assisting responding EMTs in getting him to the hospital
Fla. FF-medic under investigation for alleged part in Capitol siege
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The firefighter-paramedic was reportedly seen in a photograph outside Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office during the riot
Conn. city orders probe of EMS chief after 'no confidence' vote
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A seven-page letter signed by more than two dozen EMTs accuses the chief of bullying, misuse of department funds and working another job while on duty with the department
Ore. FF resigns after allegedly stealing opioids from ambulance
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A preliminary investigation found that the firefighter may have falsified supply logs for at least 18 months
FF-medics in case of 'dead' woman found alive can regain licenses
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Michigan authorities say the medics involved in the case of Timesha Beauchamp, who was wrongly declared dead in August and died in a hospital in October, must pass a national exam to regain their licenses
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