Good Samaritan Law - How to be protected when offering First Aid

Good Samaritan Laws (or related local laws) are enacted to encourage people to come to the aid of others. In general, they protect individuals who voluntarily offer assistance to those in need and are created to provide immunity against liability.

Often, a Good Samaritan law imposes no legal duty to help a stranger in need. However, local laws may vary on this point and in some areas people are required to provide aid. There may not be Good Samaritan laws in your local area and it would be wise to determine the extent and use of Good Samaritan laws in your region.

To be protected by a Good Samaritan law, typically you should;

1) Only provide care that is within the scope of your training as an Emergency Responder

2) Ask for permission to help - child, parent or guardian

3) Act in good faith

4) Do not be reckless or negligent

5) Act as a prudent would do so

6) Do not abandon the patient once you have begun care
*The exception to this is if you must do so to protect yourself from imminent danger