Negligence is best defined as:

Negligence is best defined as a deviation from the accepted standard of care that could potentially result in harm or further injury to a patient. In the medical field, including EMT practice, professionals are expected to adhere to established standards of care, which are guidelines based on best practices and the expected level of competency. When an EMT fails to meet these standards and a patient suffers as a result, it constitutes negligence.

For example, if an EMT overlooks a critical sign of distress and fails to provide necessary interventions, any subsequent harm may be seen as the result of that deviation from the expected standard of care. Understanding this definition is crucial for EMTs, as it highlights the importance of adhering to protocols and exercising due diligence in patient care to avoid legal repercussions and ensure patient safety.