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Will I face legal trouble for using an AED to help someone?

Will I face legal trouble for using an AED to help someone?

Q: What to do if you need to use an AED on someone submerged in water?

If you need to use an AED on someone who has been submerged, first ensure they are out of the water and on a dry surface. Quickly check for responsiveness and breathing. If unresponsive and not breathing, begin CPR and apply the AED. Make sure the chest is dry before placing the pads to avoid shock. Call EMS immediately.

Q: What should you do if you need to use an AED on someone who had been submerged in water?

If you need to use an AED on someone who was submerged in water, first remove them from the water and check for breathing. If they are unresponsive, call EMS. Ensure the chest is dry before applying the AED pads to prevent shock. Administer CPR if necessary and follow the AED's prompts for defibrillation.

Q: Can an AED be used on a person who has a cardiac arrest and who is using a pacemaker?

Yes, an AED can be used on a person with a pacemaker who is in cardiac arrest. However, avoid placing the AED pads directly over the pacemaker device. Instead, place one pad at least an inch away from the pacemaker. The AED will still analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary, which can be life-saving.

Q: Can you defibrillate someone if they are wet?

Defibrillation should not be performed on someone who is wet without first ensuring the chest is dry. Wet surfaces can conduct electricity, increasing the risk of shock to the rescuer or causing the AED to malfunction. If the person is wet, quickly dry their chest before applying the AED pads to ensure safe and effective use.

Full question:

I had to use AED on a person when I found that he had a cardiac arrest. I know to use this device because my dad is a doctor and for educational purposes, he had taught me its usage and advantages. Can I land in any trouble for using AED on this person (I was just trying to help). This guy is doing fine now but I just want to be sure that I won’t face any trouble in future for helping a stranger.

Category: Helping People
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Kentucky

Answer:

No, you do not need to worry about legal trouble for using the AED. Under Kentucky's Good Samaritan law, you are protected from civil liability when you help someone in a medical emergency, as long as you did not act with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

According to KRS § 311.668, anyone who provides emergency care with an AED in good faith and without compensation is immune from civil liability for any injuries that may occur as a result of that care. This immunity applies as long as you acted as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances.

However, if your actions caused harm due to gross negligence or willful misconduct, this immunity may not apply. It's also important to activate the local emergency medical services (EMS) as soon as possible after using the AED, as required by law.

For more information on the relevant laws, you can refer to KRS § 311.667 and KRS § 411.148, which outline the requirements and protections for those who render emergency care.

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

What should you do if someone is submerged in water?

If someone is submerged in water and unresponsive, first call for emergency medical services (EMS). If safe, remove the person from the water. Check for breathing and responsiveness. If they are not breathing, begin CPR and use an AED as soon as possible. Make sure the person is dry before applying the AED pads to prevent electrical shock. Always prioritize calling for professional help.

What to do if you need to use an AED on someone submerged in water?

What should you do if you need to use an AED on someone who had been submerged in water?

How does an AED help a person who is in cardiac arrest?

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) helps a person in cardiac arrest by analyzing their heart rhythm and delivering an electric shock if needed. This shock can restore a normal heart rhythm, potentially saving the person's life. It is crucial to use the AED as soon as possible after cardiac arrest occurs, along with CPR, to increase the chances of survival.