Understanding What Good Samaritan Laws Entail In California

Without this law, California citizens might refuse to lend aid where necessary and act decisively during critical moments. It is more important to lend aid as a first option than to be limited due to a fear of getting arrested.

Where Does the Good Samaritan Law Apply?

Now that you know why the Good Samaritan law was introduced, you might be wondering where and when does it apply?

 
Here are some instances where the Good Samaritan law applies:

Accidents and Injuries

It is fitting and understandable that accidents and injuries fall under the purview of the Good Samaritan law. This is because they are very common and specific situations, not just in California but all over the world. Medical response teams are the first option at every accident scene, but first-aid steps could be taken before professional help arrives. Moving injured individuals is not advised but is sometimes necessary.

Medical Emergencies

To speak in a general or broad sense, most, if not all, of the situations on this list are medical emergencies. However, some might go beyond this umbrella. Nevertheless, medical emergencies are a common scenario in which the Good Samaritan law is applicable.

Drug Overdoses

In California, the Good Samaritan law allows a person to tend to a person experiencing a medical emergency caused by a drug overdose. Under the law, a person can administer overdose-reversal medications such as nalmefene and naloxone. Bystanders are also permitted by law to place a victim’s conscious or unconscious body in a recovery position.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, more commonly called CPR, is an important solution to cardiac arrests. If you are trained in offering CPR to individuals, do not hesitate to offer it when needed.

Use of Automated External Defibrillators

Persons suffering from sudden cardiac arrests in California are not out of place. Many persons have some training in the use of an automated external defibrillator (or AED). If there is one available for use, you can administer electrical therapy to literally bring a person back to life. The Good Samaritan law covers you for AED use.

Explaining Legal Immunity In Good Samaritan Laws

While the Good Samaritan law in California is aimed at protecting people who help others during medical emergencies, it does have limitations.

To speak broadly, this law only covers you if you perform your aid in good faith. Complications arising out of wilful misconduct or gross negligence, if proven, will land you knee-deep in lawsuits. Also, lending aid should happen in areas far away from available medical care. You cannot offer aid inside emergency departments and clinics.

Conclusion

The Good Samaritan law is a statute of law that encourages people to lend much-needed assistance during emergencies. By providing immunity from mistakes while offering aid in good faith, residents of California are given protection from liability. This way, more people lend a helping hand to people who are caught up in emergencies while the medical professionals are yet to reach them.