First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

9. AbandonmentAbandonment is defined as the termination of care given to a patient without ensuring thatcare will continue at the same level or higher. A First Responder is responsible for thewell-being of the patient as soon as he/she acknowledges the need for medical care. A FirstResponder may discontinue care only if the patient refuses further care, if the FirstResponder becomes physically incapable of continuing efforts because of exhaustion, orthe safety of the First Responder is threatened.10. NegligenceNegligence is defined as the deviation from the accepted standard of care resulting infurther injury to the patient. Four components must be present to meet the definition ofnegligence.1. The First Responder has a duty to act, a formal obligation as part of his/heroccupation as an emergency care provider. While the legal duty to act may varyamong regions, the First Responder has a moral and ethical responsibility to renderemergency care to patients in need. As a general guiding principle, the FirstResponder should always act as another prudent individual with a similar level oftraining would act. Following the accepted guidelines at this level of training, theFirst Responder provides the standard of care.2. Breach of duty implies a failure to act, or a failure to act appropriately within theguidelines for standards of care.3. Negligence also requires that physical and/or psychological injury has been inflictedby this breach of duty.4. Finally, the actions, or lack of actions, by the First Responder must be shown tohave caused the patient injury.11. ConfidentialityRemember, confidentiality is a basic right of the patient. Always try to maintain thepatient’s respect, dignity, and privacy. Confidential information includes the patient’shistory gained through an interview, assessment findings, and emergency care provided.This important information should only be released to other health care providers, who canuse this information to provide further medical care to the patient. Only the patient has theright to authorize release of this information to non-healthcare providers.12. Special SituationsBe aware that some patients may wear medical identification bracelets, necklaces, or carrycards that indicate pre-existing medical conditions. This information may be helpful in theunresponsive, confused, or critically ill/injured patient. Medical illnesses (diabetes,epilepsy), medication lists, and allergies may give vital history when the patient is unableto do so.13. Potential Crime Scene/Evidence PreservationAllow local law enforcement officials to do their job. The responsibility of the FirstResponder is to provide emergency medical care to the patient. Do not disturb items at thescene unless effective care of the patient requires it. Documentation of the appearance ofthe scene in relation to the patient may provide useful information.24First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002