EMS 463 - Medical/Legal/Ethical Issues

Credits: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

The course covers Module I of the DOT National Standard Curriculum for EMT Paramedics and prepares students for their roles and responsibilities. Areas of medical, legal and ethical issues are covered, as well as promotion of injury prevention and how it pertains to the paramedic. The lab component includes review of the EMT-Basic skills using skills checklists.
Prerequisite: EMS 461
Competencies

Determine the legal issues that impact decisions in the pre-hospital setting
1. Discuss how Do Not Resuscitate orders may change care in the pre-hospital setting.
2. Discuss how Durable Power of Attorney impacts care in the pre-hospital setting
Differentiate types of paramedic responsibilities
1. Define legal responsibilities
2. Define ethical responsibilities
Differentiate paramedic practice
1. Define scope of practice
2. Define standard of care
Explain the concept of liability
1. Describe physician medical direction
2. Describe paramedic supervision of other health care providers
Evaluate the legal implications of medical direction
1. Define on line medical direction
2. Determine how to use a protocol
3. Analyze the points of patient care where errors occur