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Concise EMT Crash Course > (Chapter 4) Medical, Legal, And Ethical Issues, And Ems Research > Flashcards

(Chapter 4) Medical, Legal, And Ethical Issues, And Ems Research Flashcards

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1
Q

What is cultural competence in EMS?

A

The ability to care for patients with diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors.

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2
Q

What does HIPAA stand for, and what does it protect?

A

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; protects sensitive patient health information.

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3
Q

What is negligence in EMS?

A

Deviation from the standard of care expected from a reasonable professional.

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4
Q

What is the scope of practice?

A

Defines what actions a provider is legally allowed to perform.

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5
Q

What is the standard of care?

A

The degree of care expected of a provider with similar training in a similar situation.

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6
Q

What is medical direction?

A

EMS operates under a physician medical director.

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7
Q

What are the types of medical direction?

A
  • Direct (Online) via phone/radio
  • Indirect (Offline) through written protocols
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8
Q

What influences the standard of care?

A
  • National EMS standards
  • State protocols
  • Employer policies
  • Textbooks
  • Local norms
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9
Q

What is informed consent?

A

Patient must understand the care and risks to accept or refuse treatment.

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10
Q

What is express consent?

A

Verbal or nonverbal agreement from a competent patient.

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11
Q

What is implied consent?

A

Assumes consent for emergency care when the patient is unconscious or unable to respond.

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12
Q

When is minor consent required?

A

For patients under 18, unless emancipated or in an emergency.

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13
Q

What is involuntary consent?

A

Consent for patients under law enforcement custody or mentally incompetent.

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14
Q

What is a DNR order?

A

Do Not Resuscitate; prevents CPR but does not affect other treatments.

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15
Q

What is a living will?

A

A document broader than a DNR, covering all healthcare wishes.

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16
Q

What are Good Samaritan Laws?

A

Protect providers offering care in good faith from legal liability.

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17
Q

What is criminal liability in EMS?

A

Includes assault (intent to harm) and battery (physical contact without consent).

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18
Q

What is civil liability in EMS?

A

Lawsuits for negligence or harm during care.

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19
Q

What are the four elements of negligence?

A
  • Duty to act
  • Breach of duty
  • Damage
  • Causation
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20
Q

What does HIPAA protect?

A

Patient records are private unless required for billing, care continuity, subpoenas, or abuse/crime reporting.

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21
Q

What are COBRA and EMTALA?

A

Federal laws preventing patient dumping and ensuring equal access to emergency care.

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22
Q

What must be obtained for interfacility transports?

A
  • Transfer documentation
  • Destination confirmation
  • Patient or guardian consent
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23
Q

What are signs of death?

A
  • Decapitation
  • Decomposition
  • Rigor mortis
  • Lividity
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24
Q

What guides ethics in EMS?

A

Ethics guide actions and decisions for patient care.

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25
Q

How should conflicts in EMS be managed?

A

Prioritize patient needs, follow laws, and seek guidance when needed.

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26
Q

Why is cultural competency important in EMS?

A

Key to providing care for diverse populations and addressing healthcare disparities.

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27
Q

What are examples of disadvantaged populations in healthcare?

A
  • Economically disadvantaged
  • Minorities
  • Vulnerable populations
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28
Q

How have EMS protocols evolved?

A

From physician recommendations to evidence-based medicine.

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29
Q

What does informed consent require?

A

Patient understanding of care, risks, and ability to make decisions.

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30
Q

When is implied consent used?

A

In emergencies when the patient is unconscious or unable to respond.

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31
Q

What does a DNR order specify?

A

Prevents CPR but does not restrict other life-saving treatments.

32
Q

What should be documented during interfacility transport?

A
  • Transfer paperwork
  • Destination details
  • Scope of practice compliance
33
Q

What should EMS do when a patient refuses treatment?

A

Ensure the patient understands risks, document refusal, and obtain signatures.

34
Q

What is the purpose of Good Samaritan Laws?

A

To protect individuals providing emergency care in good faith.

35
Q

What is the main purpose of HIPAA?

A

To protect patient health information from being shared without consent.

36
Q

What is the role of evidence-based research in EMS?

A

Improves protocols and outcomes through valid medical research.

37
Q

What is abandonment in EMS?

A

Terminating patient care without ensuring a transfer to equal or higher-level care.

38
Q

What is false imprisonment in EMS?

A

Restraining or transporting a competent patient against their will.

39
Q

What is gross negligence?

A

Indifference to legal responsibility, often involving reckless actions leading to clear danger to the patient.

40
Q

What are the consequences of gross negligence?

A

Can result in civil or criminal charges.

41
Q

What protocols should be followed for hospital destinations?

A

Follow protocols, avoid financial considerations, and document reasons for bypassing closer facilities.

42
Q

When can patients refuse treatment?

A

When they are oriented to person, place, time, and events, and not impaired by drugs, alcohol, or illness.

43
Q

What documentation is required for patient refusals?

A

A refusal form signed by the patient and a witness.

44
Q

What should EMS do when faced with a treatment refusal?

A

Follow protocols, document thoroughly, and seek ALS backup or medical direction if needed.

45
Q

What are the exceptions to HIPAA confidentiality?

A
  • Continuity of care
  • Billing
  • Legal subpoenas
  • Reporting abuse/crime
46
Q

What do COBRA and EMTALA ensure?

A

Equal access to emergency care and prevention of patient ‘dumping’ due to inability to pay.

47
Q

What does a DNR prevent?

A

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while allowing other life-saving measures.

48
Q

What are key considerations for interfacility transports?

A
  • Obtain transfer documentation
  • Confirm destination details
  • Assess patient needs
49
Q

What signs indicate death in EMS?

A
  • Decapitation
  • Decomposition
  • Rigor mortis
  • Lividity
50
Q

How should EMS confirm organ donor status?

A

Through signed donor documentation.

51
Q

What are key ethical principles in EMS?

A
  • Prioritize patient welfare
  • Seek guidance for conflict resolution
52
Q

Which populations benefit most from cultural competence in EMS?

A
  • Disadvantaged groups
  • Minorities
  • Vulnerable populations
53
Q

What was the focus of historical EMS protocols?

A

Hospital-focused, often ineffective in prehospital settings.

54
Q

What are modern EMS protocols based on?

A

Evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.

55
Q

What must EMS obtain for interfacility transports?

A

A transfer report from the originating facility.

56
Q

What must be confirmed during interfacility transports?

A

The exact destination, including the department or physician.

57
Q

How should patient care be handled during interfacility transports?

A

Ensure the care remains within your scope of practice.

58
Q

What consent is required for interfacility transports?

A

Consent from the patient or their guardian.

59
Q

What should EMS follow for death determination?

A

Local protocols; consult medical direction if needed.

60
Q

What are signs of obvious death?

A
  • Decapitation
  • Decomposition
  • Rigor mortis
  • Lividity
61
Q

What is decapitation?

A

The head is separated from the body.

62
Q

What is decomposition?

A

Physical decay of the body.

63
Q

What is rigor mortis?

A

Stiffening of the body after death.

64
Q

What is lividity?

A

Settling of blood after death.

65
Q

When should authorities be notified by EMS?

A

For deceased persons, suicide attempts, assaults, abuse, or suspected crime scenes.

66
Q

How are organ donors typically identified?

A

Through signed donor cards or driver’s licenses.

67
Q

How should organ donors be treated by EMS?

A

Like any other patient, while notifying receiving personnel.

68
Q

What is the first priority at a crime scene?

A

Ensure scene safety before entering.

69
Q

What should EMS prioritize after ensuring safety at a crime scene?

A

Patient care.

70
Q

How should EMS handle crime scenes?

A

Avoid disturbing the scene unnecessarily and document everything touched.

71
Q

What should EMS report to law enforcement at a crime scene?

A

Anything suspicious.

72
Q

How should sexual assault victims be treated at a crime scene?

A

Avoid allowing them to change or shower until evidence is collected.

73
Q

What are the key principles of professional ethics in EMS?

A

Guides for patient care aligning with the EMT Code of Ethics.

74
Q

What should EMS do when ethical conflicts arise?

A

Prioritize patient welfare, follow laws and protocols, and seek guidance.

75
Q

How does cultural competence improve patient care?

A

By respecting diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors.

76
Q

Which populations often face healthcare disparities?

A
  • Economically disadvantaged individuals
  • Minorities
  • Children
  • Elderly
  • Victims of abuse

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