Legal Aspects of EMS (3 hours - Basic, Intermediate and Paramedic levels)

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Purpose: To review and update the knowledge base of EMTs at all levels concerning the legal aspects of EMS.

Goal: To review standard laws and policies, and define and understand all new laws and policies regarding legal issues of this profession.

Objectives:      

  • To understand the basis of consent
  • To understand mandated reporting of laws
  • To review operations of emergency vehicles
  • To understand the legalities of the crime scene.
  • To review and understand negligence and malpractice
  • To gain insight into the Homestead Act and how it works
  • Good Samaritan Laws and how they apply to EMTs
    1. Introduction (5 minutes)  
    2. Legal Principles (10 minutes)
      1. Civil law
      2. Criminal law
        
    3. Operation of Emergency Vehicles (10 minutes)
      1. General laws
        1. Fire engines
        2. Police vehicles
        3. Ambulances  
    4. Child Abuse (15 minutes)
      1. Mandated reporting
        1. When to report
        2. Where to report
        3. How to report
      2. Consequences of failing to report  
    5. Elderly Abuse (15 minutes)
      1. Mandated reporting
        1. When to report
        2. Where to report
        3. How to report
      2. Consequences of failing to report  
    6. Patient Confidentiality (20 minutes)
      1. When it attaches
      2. When it protects  
    7. Consent (20 minutes)
      1. Actual
      2. Implied
      3. Mentally ill
      4. Minor's
        1. Emancipation and its effect on consent
        
    8. Negligence (15 minutes)
      1. Duty to act
      2. Breech of duty
      3. Causation
        
    9. Abandonment of Patient (10 minutes)  
    10. Right to Die (15 minutes)
      1. Living wills
      2. DNRs
      3. Health Care Proxy
        
    11. Specific Crimes Encountered by the EMT (10 minutes)  
    12. Assault on an EMT (10 minutes)  
    13. Good Samaritan Laws (10 minutes)  
    14. Summary (10 minutes)  
    15. Questions and Answers (5 minutes)   

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    Western Massachusetts         Emergency Medical Services Inc.