Law & Consent
What is the Good Samaritan Law
A law that protects people who voluntarily give emergency care, in good faith, without accepting anything in return.
What is hepatitis B? Is there a vaccine? How is it transmitted?
A liver infection caused by HBV. Yes, there is a vaccine. Transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or contaminated needles.
What are the 4 goals of first aid?
Preserve life.
Prevent the condition from worsening.
Promote recovery.
Protect the unconscious.
What is the first step after recognizing an emergency?
Check that the scene is safe before approaching.
What is abandonment and how can you be found guilty as a first aid provider?
Abandonment is leaving a person after starting care without ensuring equal or higher-level help takes over.
What is expressed consent and when is it needed?
Expressed consent is direct permission given verbally or in writing by a person of legal age who is alert and capable. It is needed before giving care to adults.
What is hepatitis C? Is there a vaccine? How is it transmitted?
A liver infection caused by HCV. No vaccine exists. Transmitted mainly through blood and contaminated needles.
Can a first aider give a medication?
Generally no, unless assisting with a person’s prescribed medication (like an inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector).
What should first aid personnel do following a catastrophic or traumatic event?
Seek support, talk about feelings, practice stress management, and use professional help if needed.
If you give first aid to someone who has refused consent, what could happen?
You could be charged with battery.
What is implied consent?
Permission assumed when a person is unresponsive, confused, mentally impaired, a minor without a guardian present, or seriously ill/injured.
What is HIV and what can it develop into?
HIV attacks the immune system. It can develop into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
How do you remove gloves properly? (step by step)
Pinch outside of one glove at the wrist and peel it off, holding it in the gloved hand.
Slide two fingers under the wrist of the remaining glove.
Peel it off over the first glove.
Dispose properly and wash hands.
hat are the 7 things you should tell EMS dispatch when calling 9-1-1?
Your name.
Phone number.
Location of the emergency.
What happened.
Number of people involved.
Condition of the victims.
Care being given.
What is negligence?
Failure to act as a reasonable person with similar training would in the same situation.
What would the Good Samaritan Law not protect?
Gross negligence, reckless behavior, care outside your training, or if you expect payment.
: How are bloodborne pathogens transmitted?
Through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., sexual contact, sharing needles, broken skin, mucous membranes).
What is PPE? Give examples.
Personal Protective Equipment — items that protect against infection. Examples: gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, eye protection.
What situations should you call 9-1-1?
Life-threatening conditions: unconsciousness, chest pain, severe bleeding, trouble breathing, suspected stroke, poisoning, seizures, major injuries, fire, drowning, etc.
What are the three conditions that must be met to be found guilty of negligence?
Duty to act.
Breach of duty (not providing proper care).
Harm caused by your actions or failure to act.
What are the 3 exceptions that require someone to provide first aid?
1. If it is your child
2. Your job duty
3. You started first aid already
How can infectious diseases be transmitted?
By direct contact, indirect contact (contaminated objects), airborne droplets, vector-borne (mosquitoes, ticks), or food/water contamination.
What does Scope/Standard of Care mean?
Acting within your level of training and following the guidelines a reasonable person with similar training would use in that situation.
What are examples of first responders, and what is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?
First responders: police, firefighters, EMTs. EMTs provide basic emergency care and transport; Paramedics provide advanced life support (IVs, medications, advanced airway care).
Explain how the Good Samaritan Law and negligence connect to the role of a first aid provider.
The Good Samaritan Law protects helpers acting in good faith within their training. However, if a provider acts negligently (reckless, careless, or outside their scope), they can still be held legally responsible.