Ethics for EMS Professionals: Practical Decision-Making in Prehospital Care

This course provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals with a practical and applicable understanding of ethics in prehospital care. EMTs and paramedics routinely face complex and time-sensitive situations involving consent, confidentiality, resuscitation decisions, patient refusal, social media use, and professional conduct. These challenges often arise in high-stress, emotionally charged environments where clear ethical guidance is essential.

Using real-world scenarios, ethical frameworks, and nationally recognized standards, this course explores how EMS providers can navigate ethical dilemmas while prioritizing patient safety, dignity, and best interests. Learners will examine both personal and professional codes of ethics, relevant legal considerations, and structured ethical decision-making models designed specifically for EMS practice. By strengthening ethical awareness and judgment, this course helps EMS professionals enhance professionalism, protect patient rights, and make confident, defensible decisions in the field.