Assignment
Question 1
Our text states value systems are inherently individual, but they can incorporate elements of theories and approaches. The expectation of our leaders is for them to do what is right and have a value system. Discuss how breaking or bending the rules in the scenario below diminishes the leader's ability. Was this an ethical decision? Why, or why not? Support your answer.
The administration for your EMS agency has been alleged of unfair labor practices for bargaining in bad faith. The administration unilaterally changed mandatory overtime requirements outlined in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to reduce overtime cost. The administration believes that their ideology gave them the right to make unilateral decisions because it dealt with the budget. There have been many reports that the administration was anti-union and even threatened anyone who complained about the overtime issue.
Question 2
The terms ethics and values are not interchangeable. Ethics is concerned with how a moral person should behave; whereas, values are the inner judgments that determine how a person actually behaves or responds to a situation. Read the following statement and then discuss if the behavior followed culturally accepted norms for pre-hospital care. Discuss why, or why not this was ethical. Support your answers.
During a board of commissioners meeting, one of the commissioners excused himself to go to the restroom after stating he had indigestion. After an hour, the chairperson asked for someone to go check on the commissioner. The person reported back, stating the commissioner was in cardiac arrest, and your supervisor, who was attending the meeting, began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Upon your arrival, your supervisor stated this was futile cardiopulmonary resuscitation because the commissioner had been in arrest for an hour with no assistance. You were given orders by your supervisor to continue resuscitation for the benefit of the chairperson because they were best friends.
Question 3
Our text suggests that personal ethics has a slightly different meaning for each person. Many times as EMS leaders, we rationalize withholding important information concerning performance reviews when it comes to professional relationships, personal relationships, or both. Explain how this rationalization pits the values of honesty and respect for the relationship against the individual's moral right to know the unpleasant information so he or she can improve. Is this an ethical concern? Why, or why not? Support your answers.
Question 4
The fairness or justice approach is concerned with ensuring that all persons receive equal treatment. It focuses on how fairly or unfairly actions distribute benefits and burdens among the members of a group. Discuss the fairness or justice approach related to the scenario below. Should the EMS providers transport this potentially ill but reluctant patient? Why, or why not? How does this relate to an ethical concern? Does the EMS agency have any ethical obligation as the emergency transport agency related to being fair or just? Support your answers.
EMS personnel respond to a person who has become known as a "frequent flyer" that is homeless. As always, the patient is reluctant to be treated and after a few minutes becomes agitated. You follow your agency's policy of making sure the patient demonstrates an understanding of his or her illness and understands the risks of refusing care. However, this time you observe the patient does not appear to be rational enough to refuse intervention. You begin to further assess the patient when your partner states that you should leave and tend to patients that are truly ill and need your help.