Good Samaritan laws and some exceptions

Good Samaritan laws:

• Scope

  Good Samaritan laws vary by jurisdiction, but they typically protect people who: 

   

  • Provide assistance voluntarily and without expectation of compensation 
     
  • Act within the scope of their training or abilities 
     
  • Act reasonably and in good faith 
     
• Protections

  Good Samaritan laws generally protect people from civil liability for any injuries that occur during their assistance. However, people can still be held liable if they act negligently or recklessly. 

   
• Certification

  Certified individuals, such as those with CPR and first aid training, usually receive additional legal protections. 

   
• Exceptions

  There are some exceptions to Good Samaritan laws, such as: 

   

  • Medical or dental care cannot be provided in a place where emergency care is available. 
     
  • Physicians who offer aid should not leave the scene until a provider of at least comparable capability can assume care of the patient. 
     
  • In the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, physicians are not legally obligated to provide assistance during in-flight emergencies