What does abandonment refer to in the context of paramedic practice?

In the context of paramedic practice, abandonment refers specifically to the situation where a healthcare provider terminates treatment or care for a patient without ensuring that the patient is transferred to appropriate and competent care. This means if a paramedic decides to stop treatment of a patient without having another qualified healthcare professional take over responsibility for the patient, they are engaging in abandonment. This is a critical legal and ethical issue in medical practice, as it can lead to adverse outcomes for the patient, who may require continued care.

While other options describe actions that may be seen as negligent or unethical, they do not encapsulate the legal definition of abandonment as clearly as the correct choice. Leaving the scene, failing to document care, or choosing not to perform CPR may reflect poor practice or decision-making, but they do not directly relate to the concept of abandoning a patient without proper transition of care.