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News Article

SB-351 – A Lifesaver

Written by Larry Roeder, Editor
2012-05-31

How many times have our local emergency responders arrived on the scene of an incident and found spectators pointing to the victim and pleading for them to “hurry” and help the afflicted?

How many times might those spectators who watched have been able to render critical aid if it weren’t for the fear of our litigious society and the possibility of losing everything if they tried to help?

There was a time when most people would jump in and do whatever they could to save the life of another person. That feeling of responsibility in many died over the years when would-be good Samaritans, acting in good faith, suffered severe financial consequences because of their efforts.

Last week, the Pa. Senate passed SB-351 which will expand the state’s Good Samaritan law to cover people who, in good faith, use CPR, first aid or an automated external defibrillator (AED) to aid victims during an emergency. It also releases from liability business and property owners who place an AED on their premises.

According to a release by Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24), one of the bill’s co-sponsors, current law provides uneven legal protections for bystanders and emergency response providers, according to the American Heart Association. Bystanders are currently protected from liability if they use an AED, but not if they render CPR or first aid.

Conversely, emergency response providers are protected if they render CPR or first aid, but not if they use an AED. For emergency response providers, this is a case of where the law didn’t catch up to newer technology. Hopefully, that will change soon.

There was a problem with the existing law that caused confusion for people who might otherwise have rendered aid. SB-351 passed 37–0 in the Senate and now goes to the state House for consideration. This newspaper encourages the House to pass SB-351.

There are only a few states that do not provide full legal protection for bystanders who render CPR. This needs to change with an emphasis on training and consideration for people who act in good faith when trying to save a life.

If someone has a cardiac arrest or heart attack, there may be only a few minutes to act before it is too late. While SB-351 should encourage people to shed their fears and offer aid, it is always a good idea to know what to do beforehand. Quick aid is essential and this newspaper encourages everyone to learn CPR and the proper use of an AED. Classes are held at area hospitals and most local emergency volunteer services locations.

The bill is supported by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the Emergency Health Services Council, the Hospital Association of Pa, and the Ambulance Association of Pa. And that’s a pretty prominent group of endorsers.

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