Nurse in a bar... Should you help?

chevygirl1987 · Nov 12, 2015

I don't think my license would be jeopardized for initiating CPR. I've had some form of CPR certification for nearly 30 years, and have used it more times than I care to think about. I don't ever drink to excess so I am confident that I could perform chest compressions better than someone being guided through it by the 911 dispatcher.

Disclaimer: I staunchly refuse to perform mouth-to-mouth on any stranger. No mask, no breath.

ontnursec · Nov 12, 2015

You would really need to look at the good Samaritan laws in your area to know for sure.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Nov 12, 2015

I don't think my license would be jeopardized for initiating CPR. I've had some form of CPR certification for nearly 30 years, and have used it more times than I care to think about. I don't ever drink to excess so I am confident that I could perform chest compressions better than someone being guided through it by the 911 dispatcher.
Disclaimer: I staunchly refuse to perform mouth-to-mouth on any stranger. No mask, no breath.

So then do you always carry a mask that they provide you to give breaths? After performing cpr do you get another? Or do you carry an ambu bag? I'm just wondering because you can't just do the chest compressions. That is not correct cpr and I don't know if you would be covered u set the Good Samaritan act.

What states are you obligated to stop at an accident. Please include sources. Accidents along the road are way different than somebody keeling over in a bar. Why would you not unless you were so physically impaired by the alcohol that you could not? I could never just let somebody die in front of me, especially if. I was the only certified cpr person. What's the point of getting certified if you won't use it? How is that even a debate? If a person who is capable of giving cpr and saving someone's life does not, you don't belong in this profession.

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 12, 2015

So then do you always carry a mask that they provide you to give breaths? After performing cpr do you get another? Or do you carry an ambu bag? I'm just wondering because you can't just do the chest compressions. That is not correct cpr and I don't know if you would be covered u set the Good Samaritan act.

Actually, hands only CPR is what is being taught to lay people. Outside of a facility with proper equipment, why shouldn't we use hands only CPR to protect ourselves?

Hands Only CPR

allnurses Guide · Nov 12, 2015

Actually, hands only CPR is what is being taught to lay people. Outside of a facility with proper equipment, why shouldn't we use hands only CPR to protect ourselves?
Hands Only CPR

Thanks - I was going to say that as well. My last CPR class stated this - that getting the blood circulating with chest compressions is more important than breathing into their lungs.

I too carry an ambu bag in my car but not in my purse. I've done chest compression but never mouth-to-mouth.

As to a law stating, as licensed medical folks, we HAVE to respond, I've never heard of a law like that.

I'd be interested to see a link.

elkpark · Nov 12, 2015

This comes up every few years here, and I think people have posted here in the past that you are required (as a licensed nurse) to respond to accidents in the field in MN. I don't have any documentation of that, and I would never be willing to live in a state in which I was legally obligated to respond to emergencies or provide care outside of work.

crc2015 · Nov 12, 2015

My instructor said that the states are Louisiana, Vermont, and Minnesota. I just did some research on the topic and from what I found is that physicians are legally required to aid help in these states. I'm not so sure about nurses.

https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/sick/2014/03/25/run-to-aid-or-run-away-the-legal-and-ethical-obligations-of-the-good-samaritan/

I've been CPR certified for a little over 6 years and have assisted with 3 codes. As a PCT/Nursing student I would personally feel obligated to help in any given situation.

Just seeing what everyone else's thoughts were about this topic.

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2015

If you're driving down the street and pass by an accident, who's going to know if you're a nurse if you just keep going?

I've stopped at a few accidents and identified myself as an RN, but they involved people actually laying injured on the pavement.

I also would do hands only CPR outside of a facility.

Scottishtape · Nov 12, 2015

I'm torn on this one.

Morally, I would feel obliged to help. I could never just stand there and watch someone die when I knew there was something I could do to help, BUT with the caveat that I had been drinking, I would worry about the legal ramifications.

Unfortunately, injuries can and do happen during CPR. I would worry that if an injury did occur during the administration of CPR, I would be legally liable due to being under the influence of alcohol. I don't know. That's a good question.

crc2015 · Nov 12, 2015

Thank you for everyone's input so far! It is definitely a borderline situation to where most people would automatically jump in and help despite being under the influence and having possible repercussions from the legal aspect of giving healthcare while being under the influence.

We are in the legal ethical part of the semester and just attended a mock nursing trial last week. There are a lot of legal issues you have to worry about with being an RN, it was definitely an eye opener.

xxdiscoxxheaven · Nov 12, 2015

You are not obligated to provide breaths according to the AHA CPR class I attended. CompressionS are more important