West Coast EMT Block One Exam

In which scenario does a legal duty to act clearly exist for an EMT?

1. The EMT hears of a cardiac arrest after shift ends.

2. The EMT witnesses a vehicle crash while off duty.

3. A bystander encounters a victim who is not breathing.

4. A call is received 15 minutes prior to shift change.

The correct answer is: A call is received 15 minutes prior to shift change.

The legal duty to act for an EMT is established primarily by the role they have accepted and the expectation set by that role. In the scenario where a call is received just before the end of their shift, there is a clear and defined duty to respond. Emergency Medical Technicians are obligated to assist anyone in need of care while they are still on duty, even if they are close to the end of their scheduled time. In this case, since the call was made to the EMT while they are still actively on duty, it is reasonable for the EMT to respond to the call, as they have a commitment to provide emergency care and cannot leave until their shift is officially over. The duty to act remains in place until they officially hand over their responsibilities to another qualified individual. In contrast, the other scenarios presented do not create a similar legal obligation. If an EMT hears of a cardiac arrest after their shift ends, they are not legally required to intervene since they are no longer on duty. Witnessing a vehicle crash while off duty may evoke a moral imperative to help, but it does not create a legal obligation unless they choose to engage and provide assistance. Likewise, encountering a victim who is not breathing does present a moral obligation, but without being on duty