The dilemma
The ethical dilemma in the case faces Margret, who is the registered nurse. She is confused as to which decision to take in relation to the situation. She does not know whether to escape the risk or to save other patients who are succumbing the fire.
My ethical value and position in relation to the case
The coincidence of the occurrence of the two incidences is an emergency, and it calls for individuals to do anything possible to save their lives (Eckenwiler, 2004). However, as an emergency physician, Margret has the professional responsibility to ensure the safety of the patients (Alexander, Larkin & Wynia, 2006). Therefore, she should do anything possible ensure the safe escape of those who managed to exit. She should not encourage or allow her colleagues in the escape to go back to the fire. Instead, she should look for means of getting a trained team of emergency response to save them.
Other alternatives for resolving the problem
One of the best alternatives for resolving would be to collaborate with the community around and the well-wishers who may have come to rescue the victims by trying to extinguish the fire. Another alternative would be to contact the institutions that deal with fire incidences and other organizations that deal with rescue and life safety.
Possible consequences of the alternatives
Each of the alternatives will have some consequences. Attempting to extinguish the fire in collaboration with the community members may lead to more deaths of people who were not the victim of the incidence. Calling the rescue teams such as fire extinguishers may result in the death of those injured and already escaped as they wait to be transferred to other medical centers.
What I would prioritize
My priority would be to ensure a safe transfer of the patients who have already escaped to another health institution and then initiate a plan to save those who were shouting for help.
My plan of action
Immediate actions to resolve the situation will be required. What I would is first to report the incidence to the employer as well as the crash of the helicopter sent for rescue. Then, I would make follow ups to ensure that all the rescued and dead victims have been evacuated from the institution to safer environments.
References
Alexander, G. C., Larkin, G. L., & Wynia, M. K. (2006). Physicians' preparedness for bioterrorism and other public health priorities. Academic emergency medicine, 13(11), 1238-1241.
Eckenwiler, L. A. (2004). Ethical issues in emergency preparedness and response for health professionals (2004). Virtual Mentor, 6(5), . doi:10.1001/virtualmentor.2004.6.5.msoc2-0405
