The Ethical Medic and a Moral Mayday

Ethical challenges in EMS rarely arrive neatly labeled-they appear in chaotic living rooms, tense family disputes, confusing refusals, and high-stress scenes where the right answer isn’t always obvious. This session breaks down the core principles of EMS ethics-autonomy, compassion, “do no harm” philosophy, and legalities-and shows how they apply to real-world patient encounters. Through relatable case studies, on-scene examples, and interactive discussion, attendees will explore common dilemmas such as impaired refusals, end of life conflicts, limited resources, confidentiality challenges, and partner disagreements. We will emphasize clear communication, documentation, and strategies for reducing bias and emotional escalation.

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