Question 1
The case study presents an ethical or moral dilemma. In this case study, Mary, John, and Margaret are concerned with the lives of patients who are downstairs and need help. However, Joseph who is Mary’s husband feels that this is dangerous and vows not to risk his life. Therefore, the ethical dilemma in this case is that these three individuals want to help the patients who are downstairs and require to be rescued but it is very risky since we are told that there is a very thick smoke coming from the building. The two choices that they have to make are to risk their own lives and save those patients or to abandon them. These two choices do not present a better solution hence this portrays the ethical dilemma (Torr 2000).
Question 2
In relation to this case, I feel that it is wrong to abandon the patients who are downstairs and require help. For that reason, it is ethical to help these patients even if this means one losing his or her life. My position is actually based on the principle of preservation of life. It is not a must that these individuals will perish if they go downstairs to help the patients in need. It is the duty of a doctor to try by all means available to save the life of a patient. Margaret realizes this and risks her life so as to help the dying patients. The applicable theories in this case are the consequentialist theories that say that consequence only determines wrong and right (Hanson 2009). These individuals need to think about the consequences of not helping the patients hence this will help them to determine the right course of action.
Question 3
The other alternatives for resolving this problem are raising the alarm to alert those who are nearby and contacting the emergency department. For instance, they can contact the fire extinguishers who will respond quickly. In addition, the nearby individuals will be of much help when they hear the sound of an alarm.
References
Torr, J. D. (2000). Medical ethics. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press
Hanson, S. S. (2009). Moral acquaintances and moral decisions: Resolving moral conflicts in medical ethics. Dordrecht: Springer.
