A brief presentation on why it is important for those in the paramedic field and going into the paramedic field must keep an open mind always.

1. RON STEEVES
MEDICINE VS.
PRAYER

2. INTRO
• Medicine vs. prayer is a battle that is
becoming more and more prevalent in our
modern society. Some religious groups refuse
medical treatment because their religions will
not allow it. This can be a growing problem
for healthcare providers and a problem that
should be known by people looking to get in
to the health care field, such as myself and my
fellow peers. In order to be ready for these
situations, we need to understand them.

3. BACKGROUND
INFO.
• There are many groups and people who have the
right to refuse medical intervention. This has nothing
to do with religion but religion is the main reason
why people do this. One example is the Jehovah’s
witness religion. According to their religious charters
and laws, they are not allowed to receive blood
transfusions at all. This can be very challenging when
performing invasive life saving surgeries, and can
possibly sometimes lead to the death of a patient.
Another thing that some religious communities are
able to do is deny medical treatment for their young
ones, women, and children. This is not acceptable
when it comes to extreme circumstances, but
sometimes by that time, it is too late.

4. HOW DOES THIS AFFECTS
PARAMEDICS?
• Paramedics will most likely have to deal with this
problem at some point throughout their career, Because
just as doctor’s are not allowed to operate without
consent, neither are paramedics. Because of our
empathetic disposition and our want to help people, this
could make our lives, or our shift very deeply sad. But
the fact remains, if they do not ant help, you are not
allowed to give it.

5. KARA
NEUMANN’S
CASE
• In the case of Kara Neumann, assistance for her
medical condition came a little too late. Her
parent’s, who were part of a very religious
community saw what was happening to Kara as a
“religious attack” and also believed that she as just
“going through puberty changes” until she went
into a diabetic coma, she was unconscious for a
couple of hours while her parents went online
seeking “emergency prayer” for their daughter. By
the time the actually called an ambulance and got
Kara to the hospital to receive the care she
needed it was too late and she was already gone.

6. HOW WE SHOULD
APPROACH
• It is our responsibility as human
beings and as future paramedics
to be understanding of people’s
wishes when it comes to their
religion and their freedoms, in
the end a person’s body is their
own and their right to refuse
assistance in any way is totally
normal. This is just something
that I believe we all have to get
used to and grasp as a society.

7. FINALLY
• The paramedic field is one with lots of varying situations involved in it when out
on the road. As paramedics, and people looking to go into the paramedic field, it
is important to think of these possible situations and approach them with as open
mind and to provide the same quality of care for everyone that you may come in
contact with over the period of your career.

8. REFERENCES
• O’Mathuna, Donal, P. (September-October, 2008) Medicine Vs. Prayer; The Case
of Kara Neumann. Pediatric Ethics, Issues & Commentary. Vol. 34. Pg. 1.