Legal Considerations of CPR & First Aid
When providing CPR or First Aid you should consider the legal ramifications of your actions.
Generally, lay persons have no legal duty to act to aid someone else in need. Election to help someone else is guided by an internal moral compass of what is reasonable and expected. When performing care do what you feel comfortable and do what seems reasonable. If you are unsure what to do you should call 911 and do the best you can until other help arrives.
Most states have good samaritan laws that are designed to protect individuals from law suit when acting in good faith. Remember that despite these laws you may be still subject to law suit or legal action even if you did everything correctly.
Do not let the fear of legal action keep you from helping someone in need but simply help you remember to do your best as you feel comfortable and as you would want done for you if you were the victim.
Healthcare Providers should review their legal duty to act with their state licensing agency and remember to always perform care to the level of their training and resources available to mitigate potential legal action.
Outside Resource: United States Good Samaritan Laws
Matthew A. Carter is the Lead Developer and Editor of FirstAidReference.com. Matt is an Emergency Medical Technician and nationally recognized EMS Educator & CPR Instructor. He has extensive public safety experience and has trained and certified thousands of individuals in the topics of CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Medical Services working across the United States.
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