What is the legal responsibility of responders while providing care referred to as?

The legal responsibility of responders while providing care is referred to as "duty." In the context of emergency medical services and first responders, duty entails the obligation to provide care to individuals in need when they are able to do so safely and competently. This duty arises from the responder's commitment to help others, often guided by ethical, moral, and legal standards.

When responders arrive at a scene, they are expected to assess the situation and provide necessary medical assistance within their scope of training and expertise. Failing to uphold this duty, especially when it could have prevented further harm, can have legal implications, such as claims of negligence. Therefore, recognizing and fulfilling this duty is critical for first responders, as it not only protects the well-being of the patient but also safeguards the responder's legal standing.