What is nonfeasance?

Nonfeasance refers to a failure to act when there is a duty to do so, leading to a situation where harm might occur because no action was taken. In the context of paramedicine or emergency response, nonfeasance can relate to a paramedic's failure to provide necessary medical care or intervention when it is within their scope of practice and clearly required. For instance, if a paramedic arrives at the scene of an accident and does not perform basic life support on a patient in need, they may be guilty of nonfeasance, as they had both the duty and the ability to act.

The concept is significant in legal terms, as failure to act can result in liability if it results in additional harm to a patient. Understanding nonfeasance is crucial for paramedics, as it emphasizes the importance of their responsibilities and the potential legal ramifications of inaction during emergencies.