The Good Samaritan Laws

Helping at the scene of an emergency often raises questions about one's personal liability. So that people are not discouraged from responding to emergencies, most states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to protect those who respond. These laws are popularly known as Good Samaritan Laws, based, on the parable of the man who, during a journey, aided a stranger at the side of the road. These pages provide essential information about Good Samaritan law. As someone who is prepared to assist injured or ill victims, you should understand how your state laws protect you when you provide emergency care.
What Are Good Samaritan Laws?
Good Samaritan laws are state laws enacted to give legal protection to citizens and medical professionals who act in good faith to provide assistance to ill or injured persons at the scene an emergency.
What Do These Laws Mean?
Each state's laws are worded differently. However, general, the protection the Good Samaritan laws applies to situations, which an individual although under no legal obligation or duty to do so. When citizens like you respond to an emergency and act as a reasonable and prudent rescuer would under the same or similar conditions, Good Samaritan immunity generally prevails. This legal immunity protects you, as a rescuer, from being sued and found financially responsible for the victim's injury. For instance:

A reasonable and prudent rescuer, would:
• Move a victim only if the victim's life was endangered.
• Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation before providing further care.
• Summon professional help to the scene by calling the local emergency number or the operator.
• Continue to care for any life-threatening conditions until EMS personnel arrive.
• Ask a conscious victim for permission before giving care.

Good Samaritan laws were enacted to encourage people to help victims whose lives may be endangered. They require only that the "Good Samaritan" use common sense a reasonable level of skill, not to exceed the scope of the individual's training, in emergency situations. The "Good Samaritan" is not expected to perform miracles or endanger his or her own life in order to provide care. Good Samaritan immunity is not in any way dependent on the outcome whether the victim lives or dies. It is expected that each person would do his or her best under the circumstances to save a life or prevent further injury or

Citizens are rarely sued for assisting at an emergency scene. However the existence of Good Samaritan laws does not mean you cannot be sued. These laws do not provide blanket protection from liability.
In rare instances, courts have ruled that these laws do not apply in cases when an individual rescuer's response was grossly or willfully neglected or reckless, or in which the rescuer abandoned the victim after initial care. If you are concerned about protection under your state's laws, find out what your state's laws say. Consult a legal professional, or ask a librarian to help you in finding the laws and appropriate materials referencing them at your library.