AUGUST
Don’t Hesitate to Help
When faced by a First Aid Emergency when you are out and about, never fear to help. Most
people are reluctant, fearing that things may go wrong or they may be sued. Far from the picture conjured during films or stories reported by the Press, it is unlikely that you would be
sued if you did help and the outcome was not favourable for the casualty. The reason for this, is that
in the UK we are protected by what is known as ‘Good Samaritan Laws’
How
am I protected ?
In general, the four ways you should
act to be protected by most Good Samaritan laws are:
a. Provide
care within the scope of your training as a First Aider
b. Ask for permission to help
c. Act in good faith.
d.
Are not reckless or negligent.
e.
Act as a reasonably prudent person would.
f. Do not abandon the patient once you begin care (leaving to contact help and then returning is not abandonment).
The exception is if you must do so to protect yourself from imminent danger.
What
is a Good Samaritan law?
Good Samaritan laws (or related,
local laws) are enacted to encourage people to come to the aid of others. Good Samaritan
laws, in genera l, protect individuals who voluntarily offer assistance to those in need. They are created
to provide immunity against liability. Often, but not always, a Good Samaritan law imposes
no legal duty to help a stranger in need although local National laws may vary on this point.
