The Code of Ethics defines standards of conduct for practitioners of the College. The College's primary aim is to ensure registered practitioners provide competent, safe, and ethical emergency medical care, consistent with federal and provincial legislation and with current Standards of Practice.
The College recognizes that the Code of Ethics must be continually maintained and updated to reflect the trends in "best practices", current developments and changes in the delivery of effective, efficient, safe, and high quality patient care.
Ethical Behaviour of a Registered Practitioner
- Providing the most effective, efficient, safe, and high quality patient care as is reasonably possible.
- Treating all patients with respect.
- Promoting the well being of all patients to the best of his/her abilities.
- Maintaining and improving professional competencies by actively engaging in the College's Continuing Competency Program and other opportunities for life-long learning.
- Protecting and maintaining patient confidentiality in accordance with the requirements of federal and provincial legislation.
- Recognizing the limitations of one's competencies and respecting the competencies of others in the care and treatment of all patients.
Responsibility of the Ethical Practitioner to his/her Patient
- Providing patient care within the level of his/her competencies and seeking consultation with other more competent regulated health care professionals when necessary.
- Providing high quality patient care, including physical comfort and emotional support, to the extent that the practitioner is reasonably able to provide.
- Once having accepted responsibility for a patient or the provision of patient care, continuing to provide care until it is no longer required or until another appropriately qualified health care professional has accepted responsibility for care.
Responsibilities of the Ethical Practitioner to the Paramedic Profession
- Ensuring that one's conduct reflects positively on the integrity of the profession.
- Understanding the importance of personal safety and that practitioners are not obligated to place themselves in harms way beyond what a reasonable practitioner would do.
- Maintaining familiarity with current applicable legislation and practice, and striving to work to the fullest extent of his/her competencies.