Medical Legal Considerations

Question 1

Expressed Consent

Answer 1

Permission from the patient allowing a rescuer to do an assessment or render care.

Question 2

Wilderness Context

Answer 2

A situation where access to definitive medical care is delayed by distance, logistics, or danger.

Question 3

Give 2 examples of a situation where someone has the duty to act.

Answer 3

First responder working on an ambulance.

Outdoor guide working for a company that stipulates in a contract that they are required to respond.

Question 4

Implied Consent

Answer 4

Implicit permission that allows a rescuer to perform an assessment and render care for minors and those with reduced level of consciousness or altered mental status.

Question 5

When can Wilderness Protocols be used?

Answer 5

In situations where a delay in treatment will result in unacceptable risk to the patient and rescuers.

Question 6

Duty to Act

Answer 6

Required action to respond in an emergency when a major component of the job description or is required by contractual agreement.

Question 7

List the wilderness protocols for each certification type; WFA, WAFA, and WFR+.

Answer 7

WFA = Wound Cleaning/Debridement, Administration of Emergency Medications for Anaphylaxis

WAFA = Above plus Spine Injury Assessment, Starting/Stopping CPR

WFR = All the above plus Administration of Emergency Medications for Asthma, Reduction of Dislocations

Question 8

Advanced Life Support

Answer 8

The emergency treatment of major critical system problems using medications and advanced procedures (i.e., intubation).

Question 9

Scope of Practice

Answer 9

The skills, techniques, and procedures that are allowed at a particular level of training.

Question 10

Good Samaritan

Answer 10

Someone who voluntarily helps some else who is in distress.

Question 11

The Good Samaritan Law protects a rescuer when what conditions are met?

Answer 11

Acting within level of training

Gratuitous

Best interests of patient

Question 12

How can one prevent themselves from being held accountable for negligence?

Answer 12

Overall, do the right thing.

Stay within scope of practice.

Document training, certifications.

Follow program policies and authorization.

Question 13

Wilderness Protocol

Answer 13

An expanded scope of practice that can be used in the wilderness context.

Question 14

Advanced Directives

Answer 14

A legal written document outlining a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment.

Question 15

Abandonment

Answer 15

Ending the rescuer/patient relationship at a time when care is still needed.

Question 16

Standard of Care

Answer 16

The level and type of care that a reasonably competent and skilled provider would perform under similar circumstances.

Question 17

Authorization

Answer 17

Permission to use the certification and scope of practice in a particular setting.