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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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
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10 things you need to know about pediatric analgesia
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Make a plan for treating pediatric pain that includes managing unfamiliarity and stress in both the patient and their parents or caregivers
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
Stand up, and speak out
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EMS providers know positional asphyxiation can kill, and have a professional and moral obligation to object to it
Hennepin Healthcare, Minn., workers demand reduction in use of 'medical force' on patients
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The petition comes three years after civil rights investigators found Hennepin Healthcare paramedics were sedating people at the request of police
'Let them die': Conn. FF resigns after comment about naloxone
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Glastonbury Fire Chief Michael Thurz said the firefighter's off-duty comment "blemished the organization"
Conn. FD responds after video shows off-duty FF's comment about naloxone
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The video shows an off-duty Glastonbury firefighter saying Narcan should not be used and "when people overdose, you let them die"
Kan. lawmaker warns of 'mass exodus' of personnel amid calls for EMS director to resign
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Sedgwick County EMS Director/Medical Director Dr. John Gallagher also came under scrutiny after 7 EMS providers were cited last month
4 Iowa EMS providers cited after medic allegedly gave intoxicated EMT IV fluids
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Two of the providers were cited for allegedly witnessing the incident and not preventing or reporting it
NH lawmakers propose ban on vaccine mandates, vaccine 'passports'
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Opponents of the proposal said it would prevent healthcare agencies from keeping track of which staff members are vaccinated
Auditor: Chicago FD needs stronger policies against sexual harassment, race discrimination
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The inspector general's report found more than half of female employees and 87% of Black employees surveyed reported harassment or discrimination
Asphyxia by any other name is just as deadly
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Understanding the sequelae of traumatic asphyxia, strangulation and positional asphyxia
Ohio bills would penalize demonstrators who target first responders, block roadways
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The ACLU of Ohio said some parts of the legislation could have a chilling effect on free speech
State board cites 7 Kan. responders for failing to transport patient to hospital
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Though injury was deemed "incompatible with survival," bodycam footage and records show patient was alive for hours before transport to hospice
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
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