Has anyone ever assisted in a roadside emergency?

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It is very hard for me not to stop. Due to our present litigious society, I am inclined not to stop.

It's a catch 22: if they die I will be sued, and if they live I will be sued.

That said, I have never stopped.

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If I practiced in a state with good Good Samaritan laws, I probably would stop.

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It is very hard for me not to stop. Due to our present litigious society, I am inclined not to stop.

It's a catch 22: if they die I will be sued, and if they live I will be sued.

That said, I have never stopped.

Hence why you quickly leave after the EMS people show up. I have never been asked my credentials and I think that is directly linked to my quick departure after EMS arrival.

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Some states have enated laws that make it a punishable offense NOT to render aid.

The Good Samaritan Laws have been established in many States, Alabama is just one of them. These laws were enacted to help to protect the doctors and nurses that help victims and patients from any liability or any civil damages from care that is given in an emergency situation.

" A person who, in good-faith renders emergency medical care or assistance to an injured person at the scene of an accident or other emergency without the expectation or receiving or intending to receive compensation from such injured person for such service, shall not be liable in civil damages for any act or omission, not constituting gross negligence, in the course of such care or assistance."

Some form of good-samaritan legislation has been enacted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

http://www.answers.com/topic/good-samaritan-law

http://www.cprinstructor.com/legal.htm

It is very hard for me not to stop. Due to our present litigious society, I am inclined not to stop.

It's a catch 22: if they die I will be sued, and if they live I will be sued.

That said, I have never stopped.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Some states have enated laws that make it a punishable offense NOT to render aid.

The Good Samaritan Laws have been established in many States, Alabama is just one of them. These laws were enacted to help to protect the doctors and nurses that help victims and patients from any liability or any civil damages from care that is given in an emergency situation.

“ A person who, in good-faith renders emergency medical care or assistance to an injured person at the scene of an accident or other emergency without the expectation or receiving or intending to receive compensation from such injured person for such service, shall not be liable in civil damages for any act or omission, not constituting gross negligence, in the course of such care or assistance.”

Some form of good-samaritan legislation has been enacted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

http://www.answers.com/topic/good-samaritan-law

http://www.cprinstructor.com/legal.htm

I guess the LA BON lied to me then.

I don't know about other states, but in LA the laws can pretty much change with the administrations. For example, it was once illegal for anyone to ride a motorcycle without a helmet. However, the last governor (prior to Blanco) was an avid motorcyclist and did not want to wear his helmet when riding....so for his term not wearing a helmet was A-OK.

During Blanco's term, that has recently gone back to some form of helmet being worn.

I'm sure you are a great Google-side lawyer/advisor, however, I think I will stick to the info I get from my board of nursing....but thanks anyway. Until I know otherwise, I'm not going to play like I'm on Rescue 911. I live with two 3Ls, and I know what could happen to me if I stop at a trauma scene with my ZERO trauma experience. Being a nurse does not mean I have to swoop in to every accident on the highway like a superhero and save the day. My thoughts of myself and my abilities just aren't that grandiose/confident or whatever you want to call it.

If you are prepared to deal with whatever is going on at the scene and are willing to take whatever risks are necessary then please, feel free. No judgement here. I applaud you. But don't try to pass judgement on me because I'm not a clone of you.

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Also to add, what was the point of the OP asking this question....everyone to spill some story about how they "saved" the day and get patted on the back for being virtuous and good? :saint: The way the question was asked, you'd think someone could say "no, I don't stop," without the enforcers coming out.

I'm just giving my genuine answers and genuine reasons because I thought that was what the OP was looking for...:confused:

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Specializes in LTC, Home Care, Medical Offices, Plasma.

I personally have stoped several times over the years. as recently as last weekend. I did EMS before moving south, and when I get to a victim, Its "i'm Stacy, and I know first aid. Would you like me to help you?" I figure what is unsaid wont get me sued. Our state has nurse license plates, and I wont get one, tho I"d like too.. but I do carry gloves and CPR mask should the need arise.

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ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW!!! Saw the video that woman DEFINITELY had a guardian angel. Non believers need to see that video, certain things happen for a reason. You CAN'T call that a coincidence!! Thank the Good Lord!

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Control you are totally absolutely and incredibly RIGHT!

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Specializes in critical care transport.

Wow! I know right where that is! I attend St. Charles Community College- can't believe it happened so close. What a neat video.

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I guess the LA BON lied to me then.

If you are prepared to deal with whatever is going on at the scene and are willing to take whatever risks are necessary then please, feel free. No judgement here. I applaud you. But don't try to pass judgement on me because I'm not a clone of you.

I'm not judging you if you don't want to give aid that's up to you. I was just pointing out that you can be sued for NOT giving aid. In Louisiana it's called "Failure to Act" and it's applied to all citizens....maybe you should call your BON and inform them of their misinformation. And your attitude is totally uncalled for.

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My understanding of the Good Samaritan laws is that they do not protect healthcare professional. We are held to a higher standard of the expectation of care- meaning that we are expected to know what we are doing, and are liabile for do so in a manner consistant with our field.

On that same note- in Ohio, we are expected to stop and aide. And liable if we do nothing.

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