Ethics & Legal Considerations in BLS

Healthcare providers must balance medical duty with ethical and legal obligations when performing Basic Life Support (BLS). Understanding when to start, continue, or stop CPR is crucial in providing appropriate care.

When to Start & Stop CPR

• Start CPR if the patient is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse.
• Stop CPR if:
  • A valid DNR order is confirmed.
  • The patient shows signs of life.
  • Care is transferred to EMS or another qualified provider.
  • Rescuers are physically unable to continue.

Ethical & Legal Considerations

Patient Autonomy & DNR Orders

• Patients can accept or refuse CPR through advance directives or a DNR order.
• If no legal document is available, begin CPR until instructed otherwise.

Good Samaritan Laws & Legal Protection

• These laws protect rescuers who provide care in good faith.
• Healthcare providers must act within their scope of practice to avoid liability.

Informed & Implied Consent

• Unconscious patients are treated under implied consent.
• For minors, treatment is typically given unless a guardian refuses.

Legal Responsibilities & Documentation

• Accurately document:
  • Time of collapse & CPR initiation
  • Interventions performed (compressions, ventilations, AED use)
  • Response to treatment
  • Legal considerations (DNR, family requests)

Key Takeaways

• Begin CPR unless a valid reason to withhold is confirmed.
• Ethical dilemmas often arise—know when patient autonomy applies.
• Rescuers are legally protected under Good Samaritan laws when acting responsibly.
• Proper documentation ensures legal protection and continuity of care.

Understanding these legal and ethical factors helps healthcare providers make informed, confident decisions in emergency situations.