West Coast EMT Block One Exam

Which of the following components are needed to prove negligence?

1. Duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, and causation

2. Abandonment, breach of duty, damages, and causation

3. Duty to act, abandonment, breach of duty, and causation

4. Breach of duty, injury/damages, abandonment, and causation

The correct answer is: Duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, and causation

The correct choice includes the essential components necessary to establish a case of negligence in the field of emergency medical services and law. The components are: - **Duty to Act**: This refers to the obligation an EMT has to provide care when the situation calls for it. There must be a legal or recognized responsibility to assist a patient in need of medical attention. - **Breach of Duty**: This occurs when the EMT fails to act as a reasonable, prudent EMT would under similar circumstances. Essentially, it’s an action that falls short of the standard of care expected in that situation. - **Injury/Damages**: The patient must have suffered actual harm or damages as a result of the breach of duty. This could be physical harm, emotional distress, or other forms of damage that necessitate compensation. - **Causation**: It must be established that the breach of duty directly caused the injury or damage. There must be a clear link between what the EMT did (or failed to do) and the injury that occurred to the patient. Together, these elements create a complete framework to prove negligence, ensuring that all aspects are adequately addressed. This thorough understanding is critical for EMTs to guide their actions and protect themselves legally while delivering