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.

Full list of Ethics results

Minn. EMS releases statement after allegations of racism during medical call
–

A woman accused Hennepin Healthcare EMS and Minneapolis police of racism after her boyfriend was administered ketamine
Fire/EMS district integration meeting cut short by fire commissioner's derogatory comment
–

San Juan Island Fire District #3 Commissioner Frank Cardinale apologized after reportedly saying "Roll the eyes, you b----" while speaking with hospital board members
Sponsored content

Webinar: Ensuring responder safety while responding to sudden cardiac arrest during COVID-19
–

ZOLL

Looking to safely treat SCA patients during a pandemic? We got you covered.
Family of mentally ill man calls for inquiry into first responders after his death
–

The parents of Paul Tarashuk, who was fatally hit by a car after being left at a gas station by police, want the federal government to investigate possible ADA violations
Paramedics fired after allegedly telling strikers to 'get a job' from rig
–

A protester claimed the paramedics used the ambulance's loudspeaker to yell at fast food workers while they protested for better wages
EMT asked to remove thin line, half-Confederate flags at racetrack
–

The EMT at Ruidoso Downs Race Track in New Mexico was told to take down a thin red line flag, thin blue line flag and half-U.S., half-Confederate flag that were on his vehicle
Judge to rule on qualified immunity for Dallas FF-medics who mocked beaten man
–

The two first responders, who pleaded guilty to falsifying reports about the incident, may be protected from civil liability under the controversial doctrine
EMS providers face consequences following troubling social media posts about protests
–

Disparaging posts send local officials scrambling to rebuild trust during already tense times
La. paramedic fired over 'All Lives Splatter' cartoon, social media posts
–

Acadian Ambulance Paramedic Jamie Bergeron, who is also a popular Cajun musician, has apologized for posts that reference hitting protesters with vehicles
NASEMSO issues statement on racial bias, unity
–

The National Association of State EMS Officials announced its commitment to eliminate racism and promote racial equality
Code 3 Podcast: Unconscious racial bias in EMS
–

Jamie Kennel and Scott Orr discuss a study that revealed disparate treatment of patients based on race
‘Black lives matter!’: EMS provider supports protestors from rig
–

A SeniorCare EMS member is recorded vocally supporting protestors during a march in Brooklyn
NY EMT fired after using racial slur on Facebook
–

Robert Lukens was terminated from Mobile Life Support Services after using the N-word while referring to looters
Ethical lapses: The EMS provider's duty to intervene
–

When you become an EMS provider, you agree to act and serve to the best of your abilities to meet the expectations of your community and uphold an ethical code
Former Ky. FF found guilty of making explicit videos of minor in ambulance
–

According to testimony, William Michael Fields Jr., 37, a former constable and firefighter, made five illegal videos at an emergency medical training facility
Mass. EMT posts about running over rioters, agency takes 'immediate action'
–

Brewster Ambulance Service CEO Mark Brewster said the agency does not support violence and values safety after being notified of an employee's Facebook post
Load More