Case Study: EMT Liability for Death

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FACTS: The deceased patient was a nursing home resident for 8 years who had multiple chronic conditions, including diabetic ketoacidosis, rheumatoid arthritis with Felty\’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, diverticulitis, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome no. 1, left nephrectomy with left staghorn calculus removal, hiatal hernia with esophageal reflux, and multiple drug allergies. She was transferred to a hospital for acute care of severe, intractable nausea as well as vomiting and possible starvation. At the request of her family, a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order had been on the patient\’s chart for 5 years. She was unable to take anything by mouth, but the family declined insertion of a feeding tube. While in the hospital, the patient suffered a significant drop in blood pressure that was initially treated with IV dopamine. The family requested that the medication be discontinued after 1 day. Over the following week, the patient\’s condition declined rapidly; she was nonresponsive and had difficulty breathing. She was receiving oxygen by nasal cannula but no other treatment. Because her condition was terminal, the decision was made to transfer her back to the nursing home, with the family\’s consent. The defendant ambulance service was called by the hospital to transfer the patient back to the nursing home. While moving the patient from her bed to the ambulance, the emergency medical technicians discontinued the oxygen. It is disputed whether the oxygen was administered during the 7-minute ride to the nursing home. Upon arrival and transfer of the patient to the nursing home, she was no longer breathing. The patient\’s children filed a malpractice case against the ambulance company and the EMTs.

 

Directions

Analyze the case study and submit a two- to three-page paper addressing the following:

• Identifying the ethical dilemma
• Comparing and evaluating the ethical arguments
• Formulating an implementation plan
• Demonstrating problem solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills
• Answer all key questions

Key Questions 

1. Is there any factual basis for asserting a malpractice claim?
2. What impact does the DNR order have upon the analysis?
3. Do the patient\’s numerous terminal conditions affect the family\’s right to recover damages? If so, how?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Analyze the Case Details

• Start by reviewing the patient’s history and key facts from the case.
• Highlight relevant information about the patient’s conditions, the DNR order, and the incident involving the ambulance service.

Step 2: Structure Your Paper
Use the following framework for your two- to three-page paper:

1. Introduction:
   • Provide a brief overview of the case and its ethical significance.
   • State the purpose of your paper (to analyze the ethical dilemma and address key questions).
2. Identifying the Ethical Dilemma:
   • Clearly outline the main ethical issue in the case (e.g., discontinuing oxygen and potential negligence by the EMTs).
   • Explain the perspectives of both the family and the healthcare providers.
3. Comparison and Evaluation of Ethical Arguments:
   • Examine the ethical arguments for and against the actions taken by the ambulance service.
   • Consider principles such as autonomy (the family’s wishes), beneficence (acting in the patient’s best interest), and non-maleficence (avoiding harm).
4. Formulating an Implementation Plan:
   • Suggest steps that could prevent similar situations in the future (e.g., improved training for EMTs, clearer protocols for transporting terminally ill patients).
   • Address how healthcare providers and families can communicate better to align expectations.
5. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
   • Use the key questions as a basis to demonstrate your reasoning:
     • Is there any factual basis for asserting a malpractice claim? Evaluate if the EMTs’ actions meet the legal definition of malpractice (duty, breach, causation, and harm).
     • What impact does the DNR order have upon the analysis? Discuss whether the DNR order limits the obligation to provide life-sustaining oxygen.
     • Do the patient’s terminal conditions affect the family’s right to recover damages? Analyze how the patient’s terminal status influences the likelihood of a successful claim.
6. Conclusion:
   • Summarize the ethical and legal findings from your analysis.
   • State your final thoughts on the implications for the healthcare system.

Step 3: Write Your Draft

• Focus on clarity and logical flow.
• Support your analysis with ethical principles and legal reasoning.

Step 4: Revise and Proofread

• Check your paper for grammar, coherence, and adherence to the assignment requirements.
• Ensure all key questions are addressed comprehensively.

Step 5: Format Your Paper

• Use APA or the required format (title page, headers, citations, etc.).

Step 6: Submit with Confidence

• Review your work one final time to ensure all instructions are followed.

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