Good Samaritan Laws - Overview

Many people are concerned that when they attempt to help others that might be in need of medical assistance, they might be sued for their actions. This is generally not the case. Good Samaritan Laws are designed to protect the person helping as well as the responder. These laws do, however, vary from state to state.

Abandonment

Abandonment is when you start to help a person and make a decision to stop providing care. The only exception to this rule is if you, as the rescuer are in danger or there is a potential for danger. Abandonment happens when someone starts care, discontinues care for a particular reason, and the halt in care causes direct harm to the person in need. This is very hard to prove, however, because the injury must be in direct relation to what was left undone. An example of abandonment would be taking a person out of a car after a wreck and leaving them in the middle of the road in danger of being run over. In order to avoid these situations, be sure to use common sense and be careful.

Invasive Techniques

Invasive techniques are medical procedures which penetrate the person's body. Starting an IV, performing surgery, using an ink pen to give a tracheotomy or giving emergency medications would be considered invasive. Avoid these situations at all costs because they may create a large liability for you. If you provide CPR and rescue breathing to a person in need, you will be covered under Good Samaritan laws.

First Responder Laws

Differ from Good Samaritan Laws in Some States

First Responders are Often Part of an Organization in Charge of responding to Emergency Calls

First Responders are Held to a Higher Standard

EMS Medical Professionals

First Responders
First Responders are trained in First Aid. They have a basic understanding conscerning anatomy and physiology. A quality first responder course generally lasts from 40-80 hours, depending on where and how it is taught. There are now national standards for First Responders, and they are considered to fall under a more professional category. Because they are held to a higher standard, they have more legal liability.

EMT-Basics
EMT-Basics are trained extensively in basic life support to include oxygen administration, ambulance operations, anatomy, physiology, specific diseases and injuries, as well as pathophysiology. EMT-Basics often assist Paramedics with the performance of certain skills. They have a National standard accrediting body as well as the state level. All levels of EMTs must refresh their certifications at 2 year intervals in order to stay current on the most updated medical information.

EMT-Intermediates
Are trained in basic and advanced life support. Their training is longer and more involved than EMT-Basic. There are currently two different kind of Intermediates. One with higher skills levels than the others.

EMT-Paramedics
Are trained in invasive techniques, medication administration, basic and advanced life support, and advanced airway management. The training usually includes EMT-Basic certification, extra medical and science classes, and experience prior to acceptance into a training program. Paramedics have a strong knowledge base in medicine and routinely perform defibrillation, airway management and invasive procedures. Paramedics are held to a very high standard and require many hours of continuing education every two years to stay updated on skills and knowledge.

Summary
It is important to understand the various roles of EMS workers that you might come in contact with at an emergency scene. By understanding their role and your role, you can be a helpful asset to an emergent situation. By learning CPR, you are an integral piece of the chain of survival.