What describes a situation in which more harm occurs due to insufficient or inappropriate care?

The situation described involves an instance where a person's lack of adequate care or failure to perform their duties properly leads to further harm. This concept is best captured by negligence, which refers to a failure to take reasonable care or to act in a way that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. In the context of first responders, negligence could involve not providing the appropriate level of care or failing to act in a timely manner, ultimately resulting in additional injury or exacerbation of a patient’s condition.

Malpractice typically involves professional misconduct or an unreasonable lack of skill by a healthcare provider, which can lead to harm. However, negligence is broader and encompasses any lack of care, regardless of whether it is performed by a professional. Inadequate response and emergency oversights can certainly result in poor outcomes, but they do not directly define the legal and ethical implications that arise from a failure to provide the appropriate standard of care, as is the case with negligence.