Paramedic Ethics

Because paramedics hold a position of so much power of the people who they treat, because their patients are often injured, sick and vulnerable paramedics must have sound ethics and moral values. Most Ambulance Services have a Code of Conduct or a set of Paramedic Ethics that must be maintained.

Ethics is basically a branch of philosophy that explores the values of good and evil, right and wrong in all decisions that a person makes. Morals, however, explore the social, religious and personal standards of what is right.

These are the main ethics and morals that I believe paramedics should uphold:

1.  When in doubt about the right choice, a paramedic should ultimately ask themselvess the question – “What is best for my patient?” So long as I can honestly say to myself that I have done what I believe is best for my patient, than I have done my job as a paramedic.

2. Be honest – don’t lie to your patients (even when its much more simple to do so). Patients have a right to know what is going on, if you think they are having a heart attack, and they really want to know, tell them what you honestly think – most patients know when they are dying or very sick, don’t try to hide it from them. Your patients will appreciate it and will trust you more if you are honest with them.

3. Treat every patient just as well and don’t descriminate against them because of their race, ethnicity, religion, disability,etc.

4. Don’t steal (that’s pretty obvious), but it is particularly important as a paramedic, because you walk into complete strangers’ houses while they are in vulnerable positions, and the chance to steal is available to you, which is why you need to be above reproach.