Prosecutor's opening statements in final McClain trial suggest paramedics were negligent

• The two have pleaded not guilty.

Why it matters: Medical first responders rarely face criminal charges, and the outcome of the last of three criminal trials related to McClain could set a new standard for future cases, legal experts say.

• "The prosecution is in completely uncharted territory on this," attorney and expert on police use of force Ed Obayashi told USA Today. "Based on what I've seen, this is unprecedented."

Zoom in: Cichuniec and Cooper responded after McClain was restrained by Aurora police officers and put into a neckhold that made him temporarily lose consciousness.

• The paramedics made the decision to inject McClain with the sedative while he was restrained. He died three days later.

Of note: An amended autopsy report made public in 2022 determined McClain's death was due to complications from ketamine after forcible restraint.

The other side: Attorneys for the paramedics said they had minutes to make decisions based on information received on scene — including following protocol for an agitated person — and committed no crime in trying to help McClain.

• They said Cichuniec and Cooper attempted to prevent his death by supervising him after he was placed on a gurney after administering the sedative.

• Attorneys noted the paramedics had no authority to intervene with the police's actions at the scene, including when officers slammed McClain to the ground.

Yes, but: Stevenson said they broke with their standard of care when they wrongfully suggested McClain had excited delirium, then giving him too much ketamine and not properly assessing him afterwards.

• Stevenson called the paramedics' behavior "cruel."

What's next: Judge Mark Warner said the trial is expected to last weeks.

Go deeper: Jury finds one Colorado police officer guilty in death of Elijah McClain, acquits second