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Now that you have completed your studies of Chapter 4: Medical, Legal, & Ethical Issues here are a few key points to remember:

A.As an EMR, you have a duty to act when you are dispatched on a medical call as a part of your official duties.

B.You are held to a certain standard of care, which is related to your level of training, and you are expected to perform to the level to which a similarly trained person would perform under similar circumstances.

C.You should understand the differences between expressed consent, implied consent, consent for minors, consent of patients with mental illness, and the right to refuse care.

D.Advance directives give a patient the right to have care withheld. Because EMRs cannot determine the validity of these documents, it is best to begin treatment for these patients.

E.You should understand the concepts of abandonment, negligence, and confidentiality, as well as the purpose of Good Samaritan laws.

F.You must understand the various federal and state regulations that govern your performance as an EMR. You must also understand your department’s operational regulations. Certain events that deal with contagious diseases, abuse, or illegal acts must be reported to the proper authorities; you should know how to deal with these reportable events.

G.Crime scene operations are a complex environment. Following proper procedures ensures that the patient receives good medical care and that the crime scene is not compromised for the law enforcement investigation.

H.Your job is not complete until the paperwork is done. It is important that EMRs document their findings and treatment. This provides good patient care and adequate legal documentation.

I.By understanding and following these legal concepts, you will build the foundation for the skills you need to be a good EMR.