Medical Ethics in Accidents, Surgical Emergencies and Disasters

Accidents, Natural and man-made disasters are rising around the world. The first and most significant concern in critical situations is managing the human damages and their health effects. Ethical considerations influence virtually all aspects of disaster response. The objective of response is achieving greatest results for the greatest number of casualties.

Focused group discussion, interviews, and literature review, were used in this study.

In disasters and accidents, the most important ethical concerns are: Respect for human dignity in all circumstances, adherence to the scientific and professional principles, adherence to triage principles, immediate and timely decision making, preventing violation of ethical standards, respect to human rights and protecting dignity of vulnerable groups, timely consultation, team–working, Managing conflicts of interest in all situations, Confidentiality and protection of information and respecting to other ethical issues.

Based on Islamic values, adherence to principles and values of medical ethics is essential in all accidents, surgical emergencies and disasters.