What does sovereign immunity prevent regarding governmental EMS systems?

Sovereign immunity refers to the legal doctrine that protects government entities and their employees from being sued for civil liability in many situations. When it comes to governmental EMS systems, this means that patients who receive care from these services typically cannot sue for negligence or other civil claims related to that care. This protection is grounded in the notion that governmental resources are limited and that allowing lawsuits could divert those resources away from their primary public service functions, such as providing emergency medical care.

It is important to understand that while sovereign immunity shields governmental EMS from many civil liability claims, it does not grant total immunity from all types of actions, such as criminal charges or constitutional rights violations. This nuanced understanding of the law is essential for EMTs and other emergency responders to navigate their responsibilities and the implications of their actions in the field.