"Duty to act" is a well-defined idea in most places for emergency responders.
In New York State, police and firemen have an unqualified duty to act: if you're on shift or off, and you see a crime/a fire, you are obligated to do something about it or you're criminally liable. If you're an EMT, duty to act only pertains if you're on duty -- but if you initiate care, you are subsequently bound and liable if you abandon your patient.
In New York State, police and firemen have an unqualified duty to act: if you're on shift or off, and you see a crime/a fire, you are obligated to do something about it or you're criminally liable. If you're an EMT, duty to act only pertains if you're on duty -- but if you initiate care, you are subsequently bound and liable if you abandon your patient.