119 rescuers ; Transfer refusal ; Treatment refusal ; Liability
Keywords
119 rescuers ; Transfer refusal ; Treatment refusal ; Liability
Abstract
The regulation on organization and operation of rescue and aid party was amended. This Regulation is designed to provide legal formality in order to protect not only the patients' right but also 119 rescuers from liability, which is due to treatment refusal by patient and the discretionary refusal of transfer by 119 rescuers on the non-emergency situation. This study looked over the constitute of violation of emergency medical service act related to the discretionary refusal of 119 rescuers, the criminal liability owing to omission and the possibility of national indemnities on the damage of patients. This study also analyzed the courts' decision and attitude by exploring overseas judicial precedents and examined what should be considered on the execution of the newly enacted law. Finally, this study put emphasis on the importance of medical director's control, documentation of every procedure, 119 rescuer's authorization on the refusal of transfer by securing patient's informed consent.