Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien
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Family physicians involved in pre-hospital emergency cardiac care need training in basic cardiac life support (BCLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). They should also become involved in mobilizing community resources to provide necessary equipment and training for the public in CPR. The article outlines the procedure to be followed in cardiac arrest, the contents of a critical care bag, and the administration of various drugs.
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The treatment of the mentally retarded patient may raise dramatic ethical issues for the family physician. A case is used to illustrate an example of ethical decision-making and the moral issues explored.
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Developments in genetic understanding place upon family physicians diagnostic, warning and referral responsibilities which the law reinforces. Professional standards of care and skill have a legal rather than a purely professional basis. Treatment options such as sterilization, abortion and artificial insemination by donor, compel practitioners' proper awareness of their legal and ethical responsibilities, particularly to respect patients' autonomy. This is better achieved through professional education than through litigation and legislation.