Ethics

The discipline relating to right and wrong, moral duty and obligation, moral principles and values, and moral character; a standard for honorable behavior designed by a group with expected conformity.

Social standards or customs; dealing with what is right and wrong in a practical sense.

The systematic study of moral dimensions, including the moral vision, decisions conduct, and policies of the life sciences and health care.

The ethics expected of the individual influence their personal morals.

The Hippocratic Oath The EMT Code of Ethics The AMA Principles of Medical Ethics

I will teach. I will help, not hurt. I will not kill, even if the patient wants it. I will not practice beyond my training. I will not steal from, or have sex with my patient, or their family. I will maintain confidentiality.

Steps used to decide if an action is of ethical treatment.

Would you accept the action if you were in the patient's place? Would you accept the action if your MOM was in the patient's place?

Are you able to provide good enough reasons to justify and defend your actions to others?

A person's ability to make moral decisions, including those affecting personal medical care. Agency - Awareness of oneself Independence - Absence of outside influence. Rationality - Rational decision making.

The duty to confer benefits. The practice of good deeds. An obligation to benefit others or seek their good.

The prevention of harm to another. A prohibition against actions with foreseeable harmful effects.