TL;DR
Good Samaritan Laws: Legal protection for voluntary emergency care given in good faith without compensation.
Good Samaritan Laws
Definition
Legal protection for voluntary emergency care given in good faith without compensation.
Practical Example
Field Scenario: A construction worker stung by wasps, developing urticaria, stridor, and hypotension. Anaphylaxis: epinephrine 0.3mg IM, IV fluids, diphenhydramine, albuterol for bronchospasm.
This scenario tests your ability to apply knowledge of good samaritan laws under time pressure with incomplete information, exactly the type of decision-making the certification exam assesses.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Protocol steps for good samaritan laws:
Trauma assessment: scene safety then MOI then primary survey (XABCDE) then rapid transport then secondary survey en route
Workplace Applications
In daily practice, good samaritan laws is applied consistently according to facility protocols and current evidence-based guidelines. Competency is maintained through annual skills validation, continuing education, and quality improvement participation.
Related Procedures
Procedures related to good samaritan laws in the EMS setting:
- RSI sequence: preoxygenation then sedation (etomidate 0.3mg/kg or ketamine 2mg/kg) then paralytic (succinylcholine 1.5mg/kg or rocuronium 1mg/kg) then intubation then confirm placement with waveform capnography
- Spinal motion restriction: mechanism + neuro deficit or midline tenderness = full SMR with C-collar and long board
- Trauma assessment: scene safety then MOI then primary survey (XABCDE) then rapid transport then secondary survey en route
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting good samaritan laws in the field:
- Waveform capnograph: If measures end-tidal co2 continuously with waveform display fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Mainstream (inline), Sidestream (sampling)
- BVM: If bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Adult (1500mL), Pediatric (500mL), Infant (250mL)
- Pulse oximeter: If measures spo2 via infrared absorption through capillary bed fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Finger clip, Earlobe, Pediatric wrap
Equipment & Tools
Equipment used in good samaritan laws assessment and treatment:
- BVM
- Bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation. Available sizes: Adult (1500mL), Pediatric (500mL), Infant (250mL)
- Pulse oximeter
- Measures SpO2 via infrared absorption through capillary bed. Available sizes: Finger clip, Earlobe, Pediatric wrap
- King airway
- Supraglottic blind-insertion airway device. Available sizes: Size 3 (4-5 ft), Size 4 (5-6 ft), Size 5 (over 6 ft)
- AED
- Automated external defibrillator for VF/pVT. Available sizes: Adult pads (over 8yo or 25kg), Pediatric pads (under 8yo or 25kg)
Why It Matters
Tested on EMT exams.
Related Terms
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