Distinguish between ethical and legal principles and the differences between them.

Tips for completing this assignment

• This is not a case study it is a critical reflection on ethics and law.
• Try to include Law as well as ethics
• Reference primary sources in law if possible.
• Explore other ethical theories as well as Utilitarianism and deontology if possible
• Look at `tensions` within the law! Does tension of law exists in this case?

Consider throughout this assignment and to link with the case

• Informed Consent
• Mental Capacity Act + can refer to the 4 stages of the functional decision-making test.
• Law vs ethics
• Human Rights Act
• Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice and link to the case are four key principles underpinning medical ethics that can impact the way o paramedic performs their duty of care.
• Confidential & Data protection

 

Topics that could be explored within the assignment include.

• Compare major ethical theories in relation to national Paramedic practice. (Not nursing or other health related profession)
• Legal constraints to Paramedic practice.
• Functions of civil and criminal law at statue and within common law boundaries
• Distinguish between ethical and legal principles and the differences between them.
• Explore your own feelings and consider alternative ethical stances.
• Look at equitable distribution of resources.
• The value of life and the right to live and the right to die.
• Rights and responsibilities of paramedics in demanding clinical settings.

 

Note to writer,

Reference- Harvard referencing with in-text citation.

Useful source- HCPC, Student scope of practice HCPC, Journal of paramedic practice, NICE guidelines, other peer reviewed journals, all work should be with supported evidence.