Final answer:
"Keep abreast of changes in EMS that affect patient care. Assume responsibility in defining and upholding professional standards" refers to the ethics of an EMT, requiring them to constantly update their knowledge and uphold high standards of patient care rooted in professional values and care ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
"Keep abreast of changes in EMS that affect patient care. Assume responsibility in defining and upholding professional standards" is part of the EMT's ethics. EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, are bound by professional standards which require them to continuously update their knowledge and practices in alignment with the latest developments in the emergency medical services sector. This ensures they provide the highest quality of patient care. As part of their ethical responsibilities, EMTs must engage in ongoing education to stay informed about new procedures, technologies, and guidelines that could impact how they administer care.
Codes of ethics, similar to those issued by other professional organizations such as IEEE-CS for software engineers, establish the framework within which EMTs operate. This ethical commitment goes beyond clinical responsibilities or oaths; it includes a deeper moral engagement with the professional values of the field. Paramedics, a more advanced level of emergency medical service providers, also follow stringent ethical standards to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients.
The commitment to maintain high ethical standards in patient care aligns with the broader principles of care ethics, which emphasize the importance of compassion, empathy, and responsibility in medical professions. Hence, for EMTs and paramedics, upholding these ethical standards is imperative for the trust and safety of the patients they serve.