What does the term "ethical" refer to?

The term "ethical" refers to principles of right and wrong in social systems, which encompasses the moral values and beliefs that guide individual and collective behavior. In the context of emergency medical services and healthcare, ethics play a crucial role in decision-making, influencing how providers approach patient care, prioritize actions, and interact with patients and colleagues.

Understanding ethical principles is vital for healthcare professionals, as they often must make difficult choices that impact patient outcomes and well-being. This involves considering factors such as autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence, which are essential elements of ethical decision-making in medical practice.

Legal responsibilities, technical standards, and guidelines for administrative duties are important aspects of the framework within which healthcare operates, but they do not encompass the broader moral considerations that define ethical behavior in social contexts. Therefore, the focus on ethical principles reflects a deeper understanding of what it means to provide care that not only meets legal and technical requirements but also aligns with societal values and expectations.