What does the term “duty to act” refer to?

The term “duty to act” refers to the legal obligation of a paramedic to provide care when it is needed. This principle is rooted in the ethical and legal responsibilities that paramedics take on when they are in a position to assist individuals who are experiencing medical emergencies. Once a paramedic arrives on the scene and is in a role to provide care, they must take appropriate action necessary to ensure the patient's well-being.

Duty to act emphasizes that once you have initiated care, there is a responsibility to continue providing that care until it is no longer needed or until it can be safely transferred to another qualified provider. This legal obligation helps to protect patients and holds paramedics accountable for their actions. Understanding this concept is crucial for paramedics to operate within the bounds of the law and ethical standards while serving in their community.