What do you think of when you hear about Good Samaritan Laws?  A duty to help those in need?  Protection when you provide CPR to a stranger?  Many people have heard of the law, but few are aware of how different the laws are from state to state.

Good Samaritan Laws are state statutes, which means that individual state governments have approved these laws in their states.  Some states choose to use the law to provide immunity to those who assist in emergency situations while other states actually require bystanders to help.  Here is a relative breakdown:

• Most of the 50 states provide immunity to those who administer care in emergency situations
• 8 states provide no immunity to private individuals not meeting certain criteria
• 24 states provide immunity for physicians rendering emergency care in a hospital
• 6 states exclude rendering emergency care in a hospital from Good Samaritan coverage
• 2 states require a duty to assist; if it is a reasonable emergency, physicians must assist
• (Source: http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/jan14/managing3.asp)

What does this mean for the average citizen who wishes to help out in emergency situations?  The answer is not clear, unfortunately.  A quick internet search will help you find the Good Samaritan Law in your state.  Most states will protect individuals who choose to assist injured people in emergency situations, as long as they use reasonable precautions and are of sound mind (i.e., have not been using drugs or alcohol).  The best advice is to offer help if you feel comfortable doing so at the time, but always be aware of your safety, as well.