Question in regards to morals, combat and the line medics

[Steavis]

In my position, I am faced with the aspect of going to a combat zone and there is one thing that really really disturbs me, has actually kept me from sleeping a couple nights. Basically I know that it is my job to make sure the wounded live to go to the next step in medical care from the front lines, that includes all wounded, even if they're wounded to the point where they'd personally rather I let them die. If someone lost so much of their self, as in arms, legs, etc. or ended up in a coma or in a state where there was no possibility of recovery, knowing soldiers I know some of them would rather be killed in such an accident than to live in a state like that, because of what seeing someone like that does to their families........it's my JOB to assure that EVERY wounded I see goes to the next line of help, but is there a line where you step back and let them go beyond or do you save their life at the cost of their life? Unfortunately there are no advance directives in combat situations. Take the Metallica song "One," it's a surprisingly realistic situation, and is a condition I personally wouldn't want anyone like me pulling myself out of.  All I want to know is if you guys think it is ok to let some that are that hurt just go, or if you'd do all you could to keep them alive, aware of what "life" may await them; I need some kind of outside thought on this issue, figured this'd be a good place to get it

[Grakthis]

In my position, I am faced with the aspect of going to a combat zone and there is one thing that really really disturbs me, has actually kept me from sleeping a couple nights. Basically I know that it is my job to make sure the wounded live to go to the next step in medical care from the front lines, that includes all wounded, even if they're wounded to the point where they'd personally rather I let them die. If someone lost so much of their self, as in arms, legs, etc. or ended up in a coma or in a state where there was no possibility of recovery, knowing soldiers I know some of them would rather be killed in such an accident than to live in a state like that, because of what seeing someone like that does to their families........it's my JOB to assure that EVERY wounded I see goes to the next line of help, but is there a line where you step back and let them go beyond or do you save their life at the cost of their life? Unfortunately there are no advance directives in combat situations. Take the Metallica song "One," it's a surprisingly realistic situation, and is a condition I personally wouldn't want anyone like me pulling myself out of.  All I want to know is if you guys think it is ok to let some that are that hurt just go, or if you'd do all you could to keep them alive, aware of what "life" may await them; I need some kind of outside thought on this issue, figured this'd be a good place to get it

I think the correct answer is that the only person who can make a decision like that is the injured person.  And frankly, while he or she is in the state of injury he or she is not in a proper state to make that kind of decision.

So, I say, do your job.  Help the person.  Let God figure it out from there.  If this person WANT'S to die that badly then I say he or she can take his or her own life later.  It's not YOUR responsibility to help him or her make that decision.

[kev222]

I think the correct answer is that the only person who can make a decision like that is the injured person.  And frankly, while he or she is in the state of injury he or she is not in a proper state to make that kind of decision.

So, I say, do your job.  Help the person.  Let God figure it out from there.  If this person WANT'S to die that badly then I say he or she can take his or her own life later.  It's not YOUR responsibility to help him or her make that decision.

I am in agreement.

[HappyZen]

I think the correct answer is that the only person who can make a decision like that is the injured person.  And frankly, while he or she is in the state of injury he or she is not in a proper state to make that kind of decision.

So, I say, do your job.  Help the person.  Let God figure it out from there.  If this person WANT'S to die that badly then I say he or she can take his or her own life later.  It's not YOUR responsibility to help him or her make that decision.

I am in agreement.

Yes ... but wow ... what a predicament ...
Talk about rock and a hard place ..

[NESSAussie]

Talk about rock and a hard place ..

Aron Ralston was on The Panel tonight talking about A rock and a hard place