Professional status as a Paramedic is maintained and enriched by the willingness of the individual practitioner to accept and fulfill obligations to society, other medical professionals, and the profession of Emergency Medical Care.
Your patients place great trust in you because your authority rests on the honor and tradition of a code of medical ethics.
As Paramedics, we solemnly pledge our self to the following code of professional ethics;
- A fundamental responsibility of the Paramedic is to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, to promote health, to do no harm, and to encourage the quality and equal availability of emergency medical care.
- The Paramedic provides services based on human need, with respect for human dignity, unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race creed, color, or status.
- The Paramedic does not use professional knowledge and skills in any enterprise detrimental to the public well being.
- The Paramedic respects and holds in confidence all information of a confidential nature obtained in the course of professional work unless required by law to divulge such information.
- The Paramedic shall maintain professional competence and demonstrate concern for the competence of other members of the Emergency Medical Services health care team.
- A Paramedic assumes responsibility in defining and upholding standards of professional practice and education.
- A Paramedic has the responsibility to be aware of and participate in matters of legislation affecting the Emergency Medical Service System.
- The Paramedic, or groups of Paramedics, who advertise professional service, do so in conformity with the dignity of the profession.
EMT Oath
Be it pledged as an Emergency Medical Technician, I will honor the physical and judicial laws of God and man. I will follow that regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of patients and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, nor shall I suggest any such counsel. Into whatever homes I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of only the sick and injured, never revealing what I see or hear in the lives of men unless required by law.
I shall also share my medical knowledge with those who may benefit from what I have learned. I will serve unselfishly and continuously in order to help make a better world for all mankind.
While I continue to keep this oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life, and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times. Should I trespass or violate this oath, may the reverse be my lot.
So help me God.
Confidentiality
All personnel shall refrain from disclosing confidential information acquired in the course of their work except when authorized, unless legally obligated to do so.
They shall inform subordinates, as appropriate, regarding the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of their work and monitor their activities to assure the maintenance of that confidentiality.
They shall refrain from using or appearing to use confidential information acquired in the course of their work for unethical or illegal advantage either personally or through third parties.
Consent
Patients are generally able to consent or refuse care/ treatment if they are alert and oriented, aware of the surroundings, and making sound judgments
Paramedic need to be sure that the patient understands the issues at hand and is able to make an informed decision
Integrity
All personnel have a responsibility to…:
To avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest and advise all appropriate parties of any potential conflict.
To refrain from engaging in any activity that would prejudice their ability to carry out their duties ethically.
To refuse any gift, favor or hospitality that would influence or would appear to influence their actions.
To recognize and communicate professional limitations or other constraints that would preclude responsible judgment or successful performance of an activity.
To communicate unfavorable as well as favorable information and professional judgments or opinions to the appropriate persons.
To refrain from engaging in or supporting any activity that would discredit the operation.