Hypothetical Ethical Decision

[FrontlineWarrior]

Here is something the people at the Student Doctor Network are discussing...



<< How would you answer this?
Bin Laden comes to ER bleeding severely and you (a doc) need to perform a surgical procedure immediately in order to save his life. Laden keeps on threatening you to let him die or your family will be in danger.
What would you do?

--sorry for such an unrealistic situation.
>>



http://www.studentdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=004198


These people are saying that they would treat him. What do you think? Poll will be provided.

 

[Robert01]

A doctor is a doctor. No matter who it is, it's your duty as a doctor to treat that person.

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

I would help him to get healthy enough to put him on display for public execution.

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

Robert01 I think that's a given. I'm just wondering what people would actually do in that situation. I mean, not all of us strictly follow the law... sometimes we jay walk, cross the street on a red light... well this in the other extreme of that spectrum.

 

[linuxboy]

I would recluse myself
But really, if he came to ER, he wouldn't be asking to die (contradictory or showing incompetence to make decisions) so I'd assume he wanted medical aid. In this case, I would perform the procedure.

 

[Odoacer]

If he came in and didn't say anything, i would try to heal him. But if he came and told me he wanted to die, I would let him die - it's nothing against bin laden, i just think that if a person wants to die, they oughta get their wish and die.

 

[Mangos]

A doctor's job isn't to let people die, it's to treat people. If bin Laden wanted to die, i'm sure he knows enough people that would know how to kill him.

The view of a premed student:
I would treat him.

 

[GigaCluster]

<< If he came in and didn't say anything, i would try to heal him. But if he came and told me he wanted to die, I would let him die - it's nothing against bin laden, i just think that if a person wants to die, they oughta get their wish and die. >>



Precisely -- and this should apply to ANY patient, in my opinion -- if he wants to die, let him. This, however, is something a large percentage of doctors don't believe.

 

[gopunk]

it doesn't matter who he is, my decision would be the first one no matter what. i don't believe in that crap where doctors sustain your life even if you don't want to live.

 

[Tripleshot]

Doctors should remain faithful to the hypocratic oath. They should save him.

Of course, a CNA may not be so inclined,and after care could really be a b!tch!