Patient Care and Legal Considerations in Emergency Medical Services

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to patient care, legal considerations, and consent in emergency medical services.

What is the primary duty of medical professionals in patient care?

To do no harm.

What does working within your scope of practice help prevent?

Legal issues.

What are the ABCs in emergency medical assessment?

Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

What does PPBT stand for?

Person, Place, Purpose, and Time.

What should a patient be in order to make their own medical decisions?

Alert and oriented times four (ANO times four).

What kind of consent is obtained when a patient verbally agrees to treatment?

Expressed consent.

What is implied consent in the context of emergency medical treatment?

A belief that a patient would want treatment if they were able to communicate.

What constitutes involuntary consent?

When a patient cannot voluntarily make decisions due to mental illness or being a danger to themselves or others.

What is a 5150 hold?

A psychiatric hold for individuals who are a danger to themselves or others.

What is a DNR order?

Do Not Resuscitate; a legal order indicating a patient does not want treatment to be administered in case of cardiac arrest.

What must accompany a DNR order for it to be valid?

A signature from the patient’s physician.

What is an ePCR?

Electronic Patient Care Report used for documenting patient interactions.

What should be documented for every patient contact?

Complete and accurate information regarding assessment and treatment provided.

What is the difference between assault and battery in a medical context?

Assault involves causing fear of immediate bodily harm, while battery involves unlawful touching.