Ambulance Diversion: Ethical Dilema and Necessary Evil

Abstract Ambulance diversion presents a dilemma pitting the ethical principles of patient autonomy and beneficence against the principles of justice and nonmaleficence. The guiding priority in requesting ambulance diversion is to maintain the safety of all patients in the emergency department as wel...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of emergency medicine 2015-06, Vol.33 (6), p.820-821
Main Authors: Adkins, Eric J., MD, MSc, Werman, Howard A., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ambulance Diversion - ethics
Emergency
Emergency medical care
Emergency medical services
Emergency Service, Hospital - ethics
Emergency services
Ethics
Heart attacks
Hospital costs
Humans
Mortality
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Summary:Abstract Ambulance diversion presents a dilemma pitting the ethical principles of patient autonomy and beneficence against the principles of justice and nonmaleficence. The guiding priority in requesting ambulance diversion is to maintain the safety of all patients in the emergency department as well as those waiting to be seen. Policies and procedures can be developed that maintain the best possible outcome for patients transported by ambulance during periods of diversion. More importantly, the discussion must focus on addressing the operational inefficiencies within our health systems that lead to conditions such as patient boarding, high waiting room congestion, and ambulance diversion. Addressing these inefficiencies has a greater potential impact on ambulance diversion than simply banning or restricting the practice for practical or ethical considerations.
ISSN:0735-6757
1532-8171
DOI:10.1016/j.ajem.2015.03.007