Carrying Equipment Outside of Work

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Hospice, ALF, Prison.

The story I found today of a RN who did CPR in a auto repair store leads me to ask.....

Do you carry something with you in your car....just in case? I put some gloves, a CPR mask, a couple of bandages in my glove compartment... cost me less that 10- at Walmart.

I know my state has a 'Good Samaritan Law'... how about you?

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Nurses on call. 1 in a million.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm actually a pre-hospital RN on my rural rescue squad so I do keep gloves, CPR masks; both adult and peds, stethoscopes and full range of BP cuffs plus a disposable blanket in my truck. I do not stop along side the road though unless there is no one present. However, I do respond frequently from my home and just meet the guys there.

My most prized possession however is a fully-charged cell phone in order to update 911 dispatchers as to what I am facing.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU, ER, PICU.

I carry it all, you never know when you might need it. I have stopped numerous times when nobody was on the scene yet. Most people do not know that under the Good Samaritan laws in most states you are not immune from being sued unless you are CPR/AED certified.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Sorry, I'm not understanding you: "not immune unless you are CPR/AED certified?" Here's a good resource:

http://www.medi-smart.com/gslaw.htm

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU, ER, PICU.
Sorry, I'm not understanding you: "not immune unless you are CPR/AED certified?" Here's a good resource:

http://www.medi-smart.com/gslaw.htm

Each state is different, you can check out the statutes here...for instance, you have to be a trained responder in Mississippi.

http://www.momsteam.com/alpha/features/cardiac_awareness_center/good_samaritan_laws.shtml

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

If you are a nurse, several states MANDATE that you stop -- Minnesota being one of them.

I carry a blanket, towel, CPR mask, gloves, fire extinguisher and a jug of distilled water, along with a nice field kit. I'm on back country roads for 35-40 miles a pop in any direction to either work or school, and if I see a motorbiker off the road, for example, it may be 20 minutes or more before someone else can get there, and that's assuming I've got cell phone signal to call for help.

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

I actually carry absolutely no supplies in my car, cars, or bikes. I do have a cell phone and I will call for help.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I've got a few things including a stethoscope and cpr barrier. Haven't ever had to use them but I guess it never hurts to be prepared.

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Specializes in LTC/SNF, Psychiatric, Pharmaceutical.

I don't carry any supplies anywhere. I do have my CPR card in my wallet, though.

I've heard that in Canada, being a good Samaritan is REQUIRED by law for all health care professionals. Is this true?

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