Is it my resposibililty?

[CTijerinaRN]

Today when I was picking my kids up from school, there was an elderly lady down on the ground across the street from the school. I stopped my car and jumped out to check on her and see what was happening. I am an RN and am 30 years old. When the school staff finally came across the street, they seemed to care more about my car being in the way and kind of pushed me aside. I realize I look young, so whatever. But, this brought up a question in my mind. Am I responsible to stop and render aid in an emergency situation, car accident, etc? I guess I should have paid closer attention in class. Haha

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

Legal obligation. Probably not. Ethical/moral obligation yes. But that obligation may or may not have included stopping. If your not Carefull, stopping your car is a school zone, may have put others at risk.Pulling out of traffic and calling 911 is sometimes the safest thing you can do. It always more complicated that a single yes or no answer.I don't stop and many accident scenese anymore. I drive to a safe spot and all 911.I've taken care of to many people who have been injured helping at accident scenes.

Today when I was picking my kids up from school, there was an elderly lady down on the ground across the street from the school. I stopped my car and jumped out to check on her and see what was happening. I am an RN and am 30 years old. When the school staff finally came across the street, they seemed to care more about my car being in the way and kind of pushed me aside. I realize I look young, so whatever. But, this brought up a question in my mind. Am I responsible to stop and render aid in an emergency situation, car accident, etc? I guess I should have paid closer attention in class. Haha

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Whether or not it's your legal responsibility depends on the state.

[PunkBenRN]

Its different by state, you have to look up your state to understand your responsibilities. Here in NH, you are not obligated to stop and render care, but if you do stop to you have to stay; you can't check on someone and then run off before an ambulance arrives. Also in NH, you are protected under a good sumaritan privilege for care provided, meaning when you are off duty and providing care in an emergency you or your liscence are safe (Except in special circumstances, like if you drag someone out into the middle of the road instead of the side).

Look it up, you'll find its pretty interesting.