Legal And Ethical Responsibilities

Question 1

Name and explain all the ethical responsibilities of a PEC Giver

Answer 1

Identification
Consent
Standard of care
Allegations of negligence

Question 2

You will not be charged with negligence if

Answer 2

PEC is not forced on a conscious adult or older child who refuses such help.
You give the help you would hope to receive if you were in similar circumstances.
You use caution in giving PEC so that you do not aggravate or increase injury.
A casualty is not abandoned. When the offer of help is accepted it must be given and continued until the casualty can be handed over to a more qualified person.
A common sense approach is adopted in giving PEC. If the casualty’s life is not in danger.

Question 3

Suspected child abuse

Answer 3

Be on the alert for signs of child abuse when giving PEC to children.
Bruises, burns and fractures in children and infants, where the cause is not readily apparent or is suspicious in nature, should alert you to look for other signs. The child’s apparent fear of a parent or babysitter should reinforce suspicions of child abuse.

Question 4

Confidentiality and privacy

Answer 4

PEC giver shall maintain all secrets entrusted to him by the casualty without divulging them to unauthorised persons. He shall also respect the casualty’s privacy and avoid exposing the casualty unnecessary when giving treatment

Question 5

Abandonment

Answer 5

Never abandon a casualty in your care. Once the casualty accepts your offer of help, do not leave her. Stay with her until you hand over to medical help, another PEC giver, or she no longer wants your help- this is usually because the problem is no longer an emergency and further care is not needed.

Question 6

Declaration of death

Answer 6

A PEC giver may declare a casualty dead only when rigor mortis has set in, in cases of decapitation or the body was consumed by fire. Only a qualified medical practitioner will certify the casualty dead.