UNDERSTANDING THE ETHICAL DILEMMAS FACED BY EMS PROVIDERS IN PREHOSPITAL TRAUMA CARE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

This narrative review explores the ethical dilemmas faced by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers in prehospital trauma care. EMS personnel operate under high-pressure conditions, often requiring rapid decision-making that can significantly influence patient outcomes. This review synthesizes existing literature to identify common ethical challenges, including conflicts between patient autonomy and the urgency of care, issues surrounding informed consent, and the complexities of resource allocation during triage. The findings underscore the necessity of clear ethical guidelines and ongoing training to better equip EMS providers in navigating these dilemmas. The review highlights that while immediate interventions are often crucial, they may conflict with ethical principles, leading to moral distress among providers. Recommendations for future research include the development of standardized ethical frameworks, integration of ethical training in EMS education, and exploration of technological aids to support decision-making. By addressing these ethical complexities, the study aims to enhance the quality of care provided by EMS professionals, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and provider well-being. Keywords: Ethical dilemmas, Emergency Medical Services, prehospital care, patient autonomy, trauma care.