The paramedic clearly instructed Carol to lock the ambulance due to known security risks. Carol's failure to do so directly led to the theft of personal belongings. While Carol may not have intended harm, her negligence created the opportunity for the crime. Therefore, Carol should be held accountable for the financial loss incurred by the paramedic.
While Carol's forgetfulness is regrettable, pursuing legal action against a coworker seems excessive. The paramedic should have taken personal responsibility for securing her own belongings, especially given the known risks. Demanding full reimbursement places undue burden on Carol, who made a simple mistake under stressful work conditions. It is nothing more than shifting responsibility.
The evidence indicates that the paramedic explicitly told Carol to lock the ambulance, acknowledging the security risks. Carol's failure to comply constitutes negligence, directly contributing to the theft. However, the paramedic also bears some responsibility for leaving valuable items in an unlocked vehicle, especially knowing the area's risk. Pursuing legal action against a coworker should be a last resort, but Carol's refusal to take any responsibility exacerbates the situation. There is no question that Carol is primarily at fault, but the paramedic should have paid more attention to safety.