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.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms

Cardiac arrest is one of the greatest of all medical emergencies. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Most cases of SCA are due to an arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation. Other electrical problems in the heart also can cause SCA. The irregular heart rhythm called arrhythmia can causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. Some cardiac arrests are caused due to extreme slowing of the heart. This is called bradycardia.

One needs to remember that Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. If a person has a cardiac arrest, they lose consciousness almost at once. This is the most extreme emergency. Unless someone starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within three to four minutes followed by AED the person may suffer permanent damage to the brain and other organs. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible. One should know how to use AED Equipments.

Cardiac arrest can strikes immediately, without warning and are quite drastic. Here are some symptoms:

1) Sudden collapse
2) No pulse
3) No breathing
4) Loss of consciousness

Sometimes there are some early warning signs of Cardiac Attack like:

1) Respiratory arrest
2) Electrocution
3) Choking
4) Trauma
5) Chest pain
6) Weakness
7) Pounding in the chest
8) Fatigue
9) Fainting
10) Blackouts
11) Dizziness
12) Shortness of breath
13) Palpitations
14) Vomiting