Back to School: Crimes vs. Torts

Standard of Care Podcast

It’s back-to-school time for the kids and for paramedics and EMTs, too! Nick is planning to renew his certification. But we know there will be a set of medical-legal questions on the National Registry exam, and he will be sure he’s prepared. In this series, Nick and Samantha dive deeper into the medical-legal concepts commonly tested on the National Registry and help our listeners prepare to take on these questions. Please like and subscribe! You can get this and other podcasts anywhere you get your podcasts or from the FlightBridgeED website at https://flightbridgeed.com/standard-of-care/

Key Takeaways
• Understand the Difference: Criminal actions are prosecuted by the state and aim to punish and deter, while torts are civil cases seeking compensation for wrongs.
• Evidentiary Standards Matter: The burden of proof is much higher in criminal cases (beyond a reasonable doubt) compared to civil cases (preponderance of the evidence).
• Negligence Requires Four Elements: To prove negligence, you must demonstrate duty, breach, causation, and damages. All four must be present for a successful claim.
• Know Your Legal Responsibilities: As an EMS provider, it’s crucial to act with due regard for public safety, especially in high-stakes situations like driving with lights and sirens.
• Be Prepared for Legal Complexity: Cases can involve both criminal and civil aspects, and understanding how these interact is vital for protecting yourself and your practice.