Publication

Pain: highlighting the law and ethics of pain relief in end-of-life patients

Parkinson, Martin
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Keyword
Emergency Medical Services
 Ethics
 Pain
 Palliative Care
 Legal
Journal Title
Journal of Paramedic Practice
Book Title
Publication Volume
Publication Issue
Publication Begin Page
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Collections
Publications - Yorkshire Ambulance Service
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URI
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12417/442
DOI
10.12968/jpar.2015.7.7.344
Abstract
Abstract published with permission. As the world of palliative medicine is rapidly becoming a fixture in the pre-hospital field of practice, this article looks to explore the ethical and legal issues surrounding pain relief for end-of-life patients by paramedics. Particular attention is focused on the moral and ethical principles of care as proposed by Beauchamp and Childress (2008), as well as the legal aspects of care as set out by the European Court of Human Rights. Through the use of law cases, this article looks to demonstrate precedence for practice, as well as the implications that arise thereof. This article concludes that, although many aspects are still a grey area for paramedics, the depth of law cases, alongside the moral arguments, show that providing paramedics act with the best interests of the patient at heart and work within a multi-disciplinary team, the administration of analgesia to prevent suffering can be legally and ethically proven.
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