MVA Case Study Essay
1.0 Introduction
Paramedics have a legal duty of care towards their patients (Eburn, 2013). When Paramedics implement care for their patients it is important that they consider the four bioethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice as these principles are considered to be a fundamental moral analytical framework within healthcare (Gillon, 1994).
This essay aims to provide a retrospective analysis into the Coroner’s Inquest of Nola Walker (NW) following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) she was involved in. NW death was considered a reportable death, thereby subject to a coronial inquest. The focus of this essay is to discuss the legal and ethical considerations faced by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) in regards to their involvement in the MVA and how their actions may have impacted on the death of NW.
2.0 Discussion
2.1 The facts
On the morning of the 17th may 2005, the QAS were dispatched to a MVA involving NW. NW was assessed on scene by the QAS, although no significant injuries were found the QAS requested to transport NW to hospital for further observations. However NW declined, insisting that she was uninjured and didn’t require any further assistance. …show more content…
The QAS observations of NW on multiple occasions were within the normal limits; however the QAS believed that NW required further assessments (Queensland Coroners Court, 2007). Although due to respect for NW autonomy they had to obey her wishes. According to the Queensland Coroners Court (2007), the QAS had no underpinning reasons to conclude that NW was suffering any subsequent life threatening injuries of which she was unaware of from the MVA. In the circumstances aforementioned the QAS applied the ethical principle of
Paramedics have a legal duty of care towards their patients (Eburn, 2013). When Paramedics implement care for their patients it is important that they consider the four bioethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice as these principles are considered to be a fundamental moral analytical framework within healthcare (Gillon, 1994).
This essay aims to provide a retrospective analysis into the Coroner’s Inquest of Nola Walker (NW) following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) she was involved in. NW death was considered a reportable death, thereby subject to a coronial inquest. The focus of this essay is to discuss the legal and ethical considerations faced by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) in regards to their involvement in the MVA and how their actions may have impacted on the death of NW.
2.0 Discussion
2.1 The facts
On the morning of the 17th may 2005, the QAS were dispatched to a MVA involving NW. NW was assessed on scene by the QAS, although no significant injuries were found the QAS requested to transport NW to hospital for further observations. However NW declined, insisting that she was uninjured and didn’t require any further assistance. …show more content…
The QAS observations of NW on multiple occasions were within the normal limits; however the QAS believed that NW required further assessments (Queensland Coroners Court, 2007). Although due to respect for NW autonomy they had to obey her wishes. According to the Queensland Coroners Court (2007), the QAS had no underpinning reasons to conclude that NW was suffering any subsequent life threatening injuries of which she was unaware of from the MVA. In the circumstances aforementioned the QAS applied the ethical principle of