Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - How do you feel about Senior facility refusing CPR
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Old 03-05-2013, 11:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by janmcn View Post
Most states have a 'good samaritan' law preventing those that give CPR from being sued.
I'm not a former lawyer, but my understanding of Good Samaritan laws is that it protects a non-professional from being sued. On the other hand if you are in an environment where you are acting in a professional capacity then you are held to a higher standard. An EMT doing CPR wrong is liable for the error if he was at the scene via 911. However if he happens upon an arrest and simply acts as a citizen he is protected unless he shunted others aside by claiming expertise. Laws vary but the intent is to encourage bystanders to act. That is why the 911 operator asked if there was a bystander available for her to instruct. The facility nurse if she did CPR would be held to a professional standard.

I too find it interesting that the family has been fine with the outcome.