Detailed Information about Good Samaritan law

Many people worry that if they learn CPR or use an AED, then they could be held legally responsible if the person dies. In fact this is not true. Emergency responders (even laypersons) are protected by the Good Samaritan laws.

What is a Good Samaritan law?
This is a law or an act in United States that protects those who render aid to a person injured or ill in an emergency. This law is also applicable to health care providers and other rescuers from being sued when they are giving an emergency help to a victim. Its purpose is to keep people from being so reluctant to help a stranger in need for fear of facing legal repercussions if they make some mistake in the treatment. A volunteer provides aid to a complete stranger therefore he owes to the stranger a duty of being reasonably careful. The word Samaritan comes from the story told by Jesus which said a traveler (Samaritan) aided an injured man with whom he had no affiliation. This means that if you do your best, using the training or equipment (e.g., CPR, AED) that you have, then you are not liable for the outcome, even if you cannot save the person. You are just doing the best that you can. People are rarely sued for helping in an emergency. Always activate emergency medical services as soon as possible.

Become a volunteer today
Statistics show that for every minute is essential for a person who has gone into a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Patients who receive CPR and a defibrillator shock within 3 minutes of going into cardiac arrest survive 74 percent of the time. A person who does not receive AED defibrillator shock with in 10 minutes has almost zero chances of survival. AEDs are user-friendly and low-maintenance devices that can really make a difference.

New technology has made AEDs Equipments simple and user-friendly. Clear audio and visual cues tell users what to do when using an AED and coach people through CPR. A shock is delivered only if the victim needs it.