Nurses are out in the community in their jobs, their lives, and with their families. What happens when a nurse confronts an emergency in public? Are you protected by your state’s Good Samaritan laws? A California court ruling against Good Samaritan laws may change your mind about helping as a bystander.
A woman was allegedly made a paraplegic after being pulled from the wreckage of a car in which she was a passenger. The bystander rescuer was concerned about the car blowing up or catching fire. The victim’s attorney called the rescuer’s actions reckless saying that the victim was pulled from the car “like a rag doll.”
The judge ruled the bystander could not hide behind Good Samaritan law protections because there was no emergency. Rescue organizations and others involved in community outreach are cautioning that the ruling will stop others from lending help in situations like cardiac arrest and other emergencies.
Although each state’s laws regarding Good Samaritan protections are different, will this California ruling cause you to act differently in a bystander role? Comment using the link below or send me an email with your thoughts – comments@nursingshow.com
