GENERAL PRINCIPLES according to the ICRC:

1. Ethical principles of health care do not change in times of armed conflict and other emergencies and are the same as the ethical principles of health care in times of peace.

2. Health-care personnel shall at all times act in accordance with relevant international and national law, ethical principles of health care and their conscience. In providing the best available care, they shall take into consideration the equitable use of resources.

3. The primary task of health-care personnel is to preserve human physical and mental health and to

alleviate suffering. They shall provide the necessary care with humanity, while respecting the dignity

of the person concerned, with no discrimination of any kind, whether in times of peace or of armed

conflict or other emergencies.

- Medical care should be delivered according to clinical need, impartially and without discrimination. (BMA)

Ethical decision-making for doctors in the armed forces: a tool kit Guidance from the BMA Medical Ethics Committee and Armed Forces Committee