I think this follows much under the same acknowledgement of any other church situation. I kind of look at it as if I go into a church where everyone is praying around someone having an emergency, if I am an EMS member who believed in bowing my head when I prayed, should I take the time to bow my head first and say a quick prayer, or should I proceed to the patient and care for them first ? In my opinion, the patient comes first. I would and have proceeded in such a manner WITH the utmost respect to the religious institution. I have experienced crisis events in everything from a Catholic church in the middle of communion to a snake handling back woods church (and yes it was a call on a snake bite), in each event I was mindful that I was in a religious facility and to watch my tongue to ensure I didn't say anything to offend the presenting religion, but I would not deviate from my focus on patient care to observe their religious interactions, even if they were my own. I've never had a pastor/priest/minister, etc. call a service and complain about the lack of observance in religious practices - even if they knew the person was of that faith. Nor have I heard of the same disciplining a person while acting in the context of being on duty. However, I am sure if it were a similar situation without the emergency, yes I think they would have something said. And if you were to go in, even in uniform, but without responding to a medical emergency, I would think it only appropriate to observe the ritual of removing your shoes. Or if you choose, view it in a different light - forbid it ever happen, but if the facility was on fire and people inside, do you honestly and with your heart believe they would appreciate the help from the firefighters even though they hadn't removed their shoes (even if one of them was Hindu) or would they want them to keep their distance outside because it wouldn't be safe to encounter a fire without protective gear ?
I honestly believe to do this job well, you do have to be able to separate yourself to a degree. That's not to say, I've not prayed with/for a patient when the situation permitted and was asked to. I'll be the first to say yes I have and even if all it did was keep my patient calm and relaxed on a very long transport, I acted in my patient's best interest. However, on the same, I've never said "just trust (insert religious figure of choice)" even if that was my own belief. I have to say though, if in serious question on it, consult your religious leader of your temple about what his/her feelings are about the situation. If there is a conflict, perhaps have your leader speak with your director to reach a compromise. For example, if at all possible, could the patient be moved to a neutral area where shoes wouldn't need to be removed by you (before you guys jump, yes I know some places only run a two person truck, or patient condition wouldn't permit and then you work with what you've got). But at least, expressing this to your leader (as does this discussion in general with him) would show that you are sensitive to the patient's needs and also your religion. Just remember that other than air goes in and out and blood goes round and round - any variation from which is bad there really aren't any hard and fast rules, especially when it comes to religion. The most common quote is with Jehovah's Witnesses, but even this can get you in trouble as some members of this faith vary on what is acceptable and what isn't. It's up to individual interpretation and what they believe. If in doubt, discuss it with both sides. Best wishes and let us know how it goes.