Professionalism and Ethics Flashcards

A paramedic responds to a high-profile motor vehicle collision involving a local celebrity. The patient is stable but has minor, embarrassing injuries. The paramedic's partner takes a photo of the scene, avoiding the patient's face, and suggests posting it on a private social media group for paramedics. Which professional principle is most at risk of being violated?

Answer: Confidentiality

Sharing any image or information about a patient or scene on social media, even in a private group, breaches the duty to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. The Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) and provincial regulatory bodies have strict guidelines against disclosing any patient-related information acquired during the course of duty, as this undermines public trust and violates legal and ethical obligations.

An off-duty paramedic is the first to arrive at the scene of a cardiac arrest in a public park. The paramedic is hesitant to intervene because their certification has recently lapsed and they are concerned about liability. Which ethical concept best describes the paramedic's conflict?

Answer: Duty to act

The 'duty to act' is a paramedic's ethical and, in many jurisdictions, legal obligation to provide care to those in need, especially when on duty. While the off-duty context and lapsed certification complicate the legal aspect, the core ethical conflict for the paramedic is the moral obligation to assist a person in critical need versus personal concerns about liability and certification status.

A paramedic is treating an elderly patient who is refusing transport to the hospital for a potentially serious condition. The patient is conscious and alert but seems to be deferring all questions to their adult child, who is insisting on the hospital visit. What is the paramedic's primary responsibility in this situation?

Answer: Perform a thorough capacity assessment to determine if the patient can make their own informed decision.

The paramedic's foremost responsibility is to respect the patient's autonomy, which includes the right to refuse treatment. However, this right is contingent on the patient having the capacity to make an informed decision. The paramedic must first assess the patient's capacity directly, ensuring they understand the risks of refusal, before accepting the decision. Deferring to a family member without assessing the patient is inappropriate.

Which of the following actions best demonstrates a paramedic's commitment to the principle of patient advocacy?

Answer: Ensuring a patient's cultural and spiritual beliefs are respected during care and transport.

Patient advocacy involves acting in the best interests of the patient and protecting their rights, values, and choices. Respecting a patient's cultural and spiritual beliefs is a key component of advocacy, as it ensures care is patient-centered and holistic. While the other options are professional responsibilities, they do not represent the core concept of advocating for a specific patient's unique needs and wishes.

During a transfer of care at the hospital, a physician gives a verbal order that the paramedic believes is outside their scope of practice and may be harmful to the patient. What is the most appropriate initial action for the paramedic to take?

Answer: Respectfully question the order and ask for clarification, citing concerns about scope of practice.

Professionalism requires respectful interprofessional communication and a commitment to patient safety. The paramedic has a responsibility to not carry out orders that they believe are inappropriate or outside their scope. The most appropriate initial action is to voice their concern respectfully, seek clarification, and work collaboratively to ensure a safe and appropriate outcome for the patient. This approach maintains professional relationships while upholding patient safety standards.

According to the National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP), professional behaviours are based on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and compassion. Which of the following is a primary expectation of a paramedic's professional conduct?

Answer: Functioning as a patient advocate.

The NOCP emphasizes that paramedics must act as professionals, and a key component of this is patient advocacy. This means protecting the patient's rights, facilitating their access to care, and acting in their best interest. While maintaining a professional social media presence is important and positive outcomes are desired, patient advocacy is a fundamental and proactive duty described within the professional responsibilities competency.