Good Samaritan??

[natnurse23]

Hi all,

I was in the mall last night buying a bday card when I noticed a lady behind the

Counter having a seizure on the floor. I went to help,basic stuff I knew to do, other

Sales lady already had a pillow under her head. I told her to call an ambulance, she

Left and when ahe came back she had called ther ladys brother to come pick her up.

Apparently she had a hx. Of seizures and had brought in numbers and a card with

Instructions on what to do. I sat with her about 20 min before going. She was resting on

The floor. Alert and oriented, no acute distress,hr normal and able to talk.

Did I need to stay until he came? (I was reading the good sam law) some nurses stay they

Help in public out of fear. I think id rather try to help and not do things perfectly than

Just look the other way. Btw, I've been a nurse about 8 mths.

Thanks!

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I think you did well. There was a saleslady there, yes? Then she was monitored, and assistance was en route. As long as there was no CPR or major involvement needed, I think you're fine. It's a judgement call, but if she was stable and the situation was handled, you were well within your right to leave.

[Straydandelion]

I didn't know for sure so looked it up.. apparently you were to stay with him according to this read:

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

[Higgs]

...if she was Alert and oriented, no acute distress,hr normal and able to talk then you can leave. I'm sure you would have done a similar kind of thing even if you weren't a nurse...is human nature. Dont worry about it.

Just dont go charging in wearing your scrubs waving your name tag saying "I'm a nurse and I'll cure you!"

I'd hate to think that I might need assistance one day and a bunch of nurses would leave me to suffer because they wre worried about getting involved...