Question

Good Samaritan laws, which protect the responder from financial liability, were developed to encourage people to help others in emergency situations. They assume a responder will do his or her best to save a life or prevent further injury. Good Samaritan laws require the responder to use common sense and a reasonable level of skill and to give only the type of emergency care for which he or she is trained. Good Samaritan laws usually protect responders who act the way a “reasonable and prudent person” would act if that person were in the same situation. For example, a reasonable and prudent person would:

■ Move a person only if the person’s life were in danger.

■ Ask a responsive person (or the parent or guardian of a minor) for permission to help (consent) before giving care.

■ Check the person for life-threatening conditions before giving further care.

■ Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.

■ Continue to give care until more highly trained personnel take over. If a lay responder’s actions were grossly negligent or reckless, or if the responder abandoned the person after starting care, Good Samaritan laws may not protect the responder. For more information about your state’s Good Samaritan laws, conduct an Internet search or contact a legal professional.

Answer the following questions in your own words.

QUESTION:

1. What is the Good Samaritan Law?

Answer 1