Ethical Considerations & Legal Responsibilities Flashcards
6 cards from real NREMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Ethical Considerations & Legal Responsibilities flashcards as text
What is the difference between assault and battery in the context of EMS?
Answer: Assault is a verbal threat causing fear of harm; battery is unlawful physical contact
In legal terms, assault is intentionally causing apprehension of imminent harmful contact, while battery is the actual unlawful physical contact without consent.
Which of the following is an example of negligence by an EMT?
Answer: Failing to immobilize a spine when protocol requires it, resulting in patient harm
Negligence requires duty, breach, causation, and damages. Failing to follow protocol (breach) that results in patient harm (damages) meets the legal definition of negligence.
A minor is injured and requires immediate surgery. The parents cannot be reached. Under which doctrine can the EMT provide care?
Answer: Implied consent
Implied consent allows EMTs to treat minors in life-threatening situations when a parent or guardian cannot be reached, assuming the minor would want care if able to consent.
An EMT discovers evidence of child abuse while treating a patient. What is the EMT's legal obligation?
Answer: Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities as a mandatory reporter
EMTs are mandatory reporters in all states, legally required to report suspected child abuse to appropriate authorities regardless of certainty. Failure to report can result in criminal charges.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'scope of practice' for EMTs?
Answer: The legal and professional boundaries defining what skills and treatments an EMT may perform
Scope of practice defines the assessments, treatments, and procedures an EMT is legally authorized to perform based on their level of certification and state regulations.
An EMT is asked by a police officer to share the patient's medical information without a court order. The EMT should:
Answer: Decline to share information and cite HIPAA; share only the minimum necessary if a specific exception applies
HIPAA protects patient information from disclosure to law enforcement without proper legal process, though limited exceptions exist. EMTs should consult their agency's privacy officer when uncertain.