The correct answer is B. Proximate causation.

To prove negligence in an EMS-related lawsuit, four elements must be established:

Duty to act

Breach of duty

Damages

Causation (proximate cause)

Proximate causation means that the EMT’s actions (or inaction) directly caused the patient’s injury or damages.

There must be a clear link between the breach of duty and the harm suffered.

A. Contributory neglect → Refers to patient contribution to injury, not a required element

C. Malfeasance → Performing a wrongful act, but not one of the four legal elements

D. Abandonment → A specific legal violation, not a required negligence element

“Negligence requires duty to act, breach of duty, damages, and causation.”

“Proximate cause means the provider’s actions directly resulted in injury.”

“All four elements must be present to prove negligence.”