Ethics of resuscitation
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Ethical Principles in Resuscitation
Introduction
Exploring the Ethical Aspects of Resuscitation
- Ethical Foundation: Resuscitation governed by principles of beneficence (doing good) and non-maleficence (doing no harm).
- Resuscitation Mandate: Upholding the duty to make every effort in resuscitating patients.
- No Decisions on Life and Death: Acknowledging the inability to play God in deciding when to resuscitate.
Guidelines and Decision-Making
Frameworks for Ethical Resuscitation Decisions
- Varied Guidelines: Different organizations have specific guidelines (e.g., JRCALC in the ambulance service).
- Clear Non-Resuscitation Cases: Instances like incineration, decomposition, hemicorporectomy, decapitation, and no-resuscitate scenarios.
- Grey Areas: In ambiguous situations, give maximum effort and consider hospital transfer for cases involving children, pregnant patients, penetrating trauma, hypothermia, or poisoning.
Confidentiality and Legal Considerations
Protecting Patient Information and Addressing Legalities
- Confidentiality: It's imperative not to disclose a patient's death to outsiders, neighbors, or ward members.
- Legal Obligations: If the situation suggests criminal activity, inform the police while prioritizing life preservation.
- Documentation: Thoroughly document all actions, including ECG records, defibrillator usage, and timings, for potential use in legal proceedings or coroner's courts.