Shona Thomas
M3 – Explain why it is important to maintain respect and dignity when responding to
incidents and emergencies
“A state, quality or manner worthy of esteem or respect; and (by extension) self-
respect. Dignity in care, therefore, means the kind of care, in any setting, which supports
and promotes, and does not undermine, a person's self-respect regardless of any
difference.”1
During an emergency such as a fire an individual is likely to be in a very vulnerable state and
is willing to do almost anything to improve their situation, this means that they are in one of
the times at which people are most in danger of losing their dignity and self- respect due to
not being able to act morally, this means that it is hard to respect theirs when you are
finding it hard to cope. This could be because of what they are experiencing has left them in
pain or danger and therefore they should be respected in every way possible. Even though a
person may not be in the right frame of mind to make a decision they still have to be given
the choice to ensure that dignity is being maintained. The individual has to be respected as a
person, this would include respecting their beliefs and values as well as their choices and
therefore they should not be judged for it. It is important to maintain respect and dignity
throughout a fire to make everyone feel valued and self-worth, this means that they aren’t
being taken advantage of and that they are being considered, they could also be losing
someone or something in the fire so it is extremely important that they have emotional
support and advice/guidance during this time. When a person is respectful to others,
he/she is more likely to be tolerant and accepting of people’s differences. They would also
be more likely to explain what they feel therefore become more honest and trusting with
the other person which could result in the incident being solved or maintained in a more
efficient way as people will be more aware of the circumstance. This means that people
could cope better in a situation as a fire as thy trust each other and are willing to work as a
team to escape quicker. It also means that people will be more likely avoid conflicts and
confrontations if they are able to respect the views and beliefs of others.
1
www.scie.org.uk/publications/guides/guide15/selectedresearch/whatdignitymeans.asp
M3 – Explain why it is important to maintain respect and dignity when responding to
incidents and emergencies
“A state, quality or manner worthy of esteem or respect; and (by extension) self-
respect. Dignity in care, therefore, means the kind of care, in any setting, which supports
and promotes, and does not undermine, a person's self-respect regardless of any
difference.”1
During an emergency such as a fire an individual is likely to be in a very vulnerable state and
is willing to do almost anything to improve their situation, this means that they are in one of
the times at which people are most in danger of losing their dignity and self- respect due to
not being able to act morally, this means that it is hard to respect theirs when you are
finding it hard to cope. This could be because of what they are experiencing has left them in
pain or danger and therefore they should be respected in every way possible. Even though a
person may not be in the right frame of mind to make a decision they still have to be given
the choice to ensure that dignity is being maintained. The individual has to be respected as a
person, this would include respecting their beliefs and values as well as their choices and
therefore they should not be judged for it. It is important to maintain respect and dignity
throughout a fire to make everyone feel valued and self-worth, this means that they aren’t
being taken advantage of and that they are being considered, they could also be losing
someone or something in the fire so it is extremely important that they have emotional
support and advice/guidance during this time. When a person is respectful to others,
he/she is more likely to be tolerant and accepting of people’s differences. They would also
be more likely to explain what they feel therefore become more honest and trusting with
the other person which could result in the incident being solved or maintained in a more
efficient way as people will be more aware of the circumstance. This means that people
could cope better in a situation as a fire as thy trust each other and are willing to work as a
team to escape quicker. It also means that people will be more likely avoid conflicts and
confrontations if they are able to respect the views and beliefs of others.
1
www.scie.org.uk/publications/guides/guide15/selectedresearch/whatdignitymeans.asp
