Professional Ethics & Communication Flashcards
7 cards from real EMS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Ethics & Communication flashcards as text
A family member becomes hysterical at the scene and begins interfering with patient care. The EMT should:
Answer: Calmly redirect the family member to a designated area while keeping them informed of the situation
Redirecting family members with empathy while maintaining communication helps manage the scene without escalating the emotional situation.
What does 'duty to act' mean in the context of EMS ethics and law?
Answer: An EMT with a formal obligation (on duty or contracted) must respond and provide care
Duty to act applies when an EMT is in an official capacity; it does not universally require off-duty response unless specified by agency or state law.
An EMT suspects child abuse based on physical findings. The EMT is legally required to:
Answer: Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities per mandatory reporting laws
EMS providers are mandated reporters in all US states and must report suspected child abuse to the appropriate child protective or law enforcement agency.
Which action demonstrates a commitment to continuing professional development in EMS?
Answer: Completing continuing education, participating in case reviews, and seeking mentorship
Professional growth in EMS requires ongoing education, peer learning, and engagement with evolving best practices beyond minimum requirements.
When radio communication with medical direction is interrupted during a critical intervention, the EMT should:
Answer: Follow local protocols and standing orders until communication is restored
Standing orders and protocols exist precisely to guide EMTs when direct medical oversight is unavailable; they must be followed until contact is restored.
A patient confides suicidal ideation to the EMT and asks that it not be shared with the hospital staff. The EMT should:
Answer: Disclose the information to receiving staff because it is critical for patient safety
Suicidal ideation is a safety-critical disclosure that must be communicated in the handoff report; patient safety supersedes confidentiality in this context.
Which of the following is an example of an EMT demonstrating professional integrity?
Answer: Accurately documenting a medication error and reporting it per protocol
Professional integrity requires honest self-reporting of errors through established channels to ensure patient safety and system improvement.