Am I liable for giving first aid without a medical license?

Full question:

My cousin is a qualified doctor; so from her I have learnt how to give first aid in case there’s an emergency. Now the other day I gave first aid to a guy who was playing football with me. What I’m scared about it is, this guy hates me and might take a revenge saying that I treated hum without having any qualification of a doctor? Please advice

  • Category: Helping People
  • Subcategory: Good Samaritan Laws
  • Date:
  • State: Wisconsin

Answer:

In Wisconsin, you are generally protected when giving first aid in an emergency. The law states that you do not need a medical license to provide first aid, and the Good Samaritan law protects individuals from civil liability when they assist someone in need, as long as they do not act with gross negligence.

Specifically, Wis. Stat. § 895.48 provides that anyone who renders emergency care in good faith is immune from civil liability for their actions. This means that if you provided first aid without compensation and acted reasonably, you should not face legal consequences, even if the person you helped dislikes you.

It's important to remember that your intent to help in an emergency is what matters, and the law supports individuals who step in to assist others in need.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

The five basic rules of first aid include: 1) Ensure safety for yourself and the victim. 2) Call for professional medical help if needed. 3) Assess the victim's condition and provide appropriate care. 4) Provide care within your training and abilities, avoiding further harm. 5) Monitor the victim until help arrives. Remember, acting in good faith and within your knowledge is essential, and you are generally protected under Good Samaritan laws.