In a new position statement, NAEMT states its strong opposition to
participation in capital punishment by EMTs, paramedics or other emergency
medical practitioners. Participation in executions is viewed as contrary to the
fundamental goals and ethical obligations of emergency medical services.
Historically, the role of EMS practitioners has been to promote, preserve and
protect human life. NAEMT’s EMT Oath is based on the basic principles of saving
life, respect for human life and the non-infliction of harm to all recipients of
emergency medical services. Participation in capital punishment is inconsistent
with the ethical precepts and goals of the EMS profession.
NAEMT strongly opposes all forms of EMS participation in executions, by
whatever means, whether under civil or military legal authority. EMTs and
paramedics should refrain from participation in capital punishment and not take
part in assessment, supervision or monitoring of the procedure or the prisoner;
procuring, prescribing or preparing medications or solutions; inserting the
intravenous catheter; injecting the lethal solution; and/or attending or
witnessing the execution as an EMT or paramedic.
The fact that capital punishment is currently supported in many segments of
society does not override the obligation of EMTs and paramedics to uphold the
ethical mandates of the profession. NAEMT recognizes that endorsement of the
death penalty remains a personal decision and that individual EMTs and
paramedics may have views that differ from the official position of the
profession. Regardless of the personal opinion of the EMT or paramedic on the
appropriateness of capital punishment, it is a breach of the foundational
precepts of emergency medical services, and a violation of the EMT Oath, to
participate in taking the life of any person.
Although we cannot forbid an EMT from participating in capital punishment, we
voice our concern that the participation violates the medical ethic of
beneficence. "NAEMT was approached by one of our state affiliates to look at the
issue of EMT involvement in capital punishment because they felt new legislation
in their state may force them to participate," says Connie Meyer, NAEMT
President-Elect. “Although NAEMT believes each EMS practitioner has the right to
personal views on capital punishment, we also believe that for an EMT or
paramedic to participate would violate the EMT Code of Ethics. The Code of
Ethics states: A fundamental responsibility of the Emergency Medical Technician
is to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, to promote health, to do no harm,
and to encourage the quality and equal availability of emergency medical care."
To view
the full position statement
