What term is used to describe "failure to act or perform" in response to an emergency situation?

Negligence is defined as a failure to act or perform in accordance with the legal standard of care, particularly during an emergency situation. When an individual is expected to respond and provide assistance but fails to do so, it constitutes negligence. This term emphasizes the lack of action that a reasonable person would have taken in a similar circumstance, thereby leading to potential harm or injury.

In the context of emergency services, if a dispatcher or responder does not take necessary actions to assist someone in need—despite being trained and having a duty to respond—that inaction can be termed negligence. This principle is critical in assessing the responsibilities of emergency responders, who are often held to a higher standard of care than the average citizen.

The other terms listed relate to different concepts within emergency response and medical practice. For example, malpractice typically refers to a licensed professional failing to provide the proper standard of care, which can involve actions taken, rather than a failure to act. Abandonment refers to the premature termination of care, and duty involves the legal obligation to act that is expected from certain professionals in emergency situations. Thus, negligence specifically encapsulates the idea of failing to act adequately in an emergency context.