First Aid Legal Issues Australia

Legal Issues

Rescuers need not fear litigation if they come to the aid of a fellow human in need. No ‘Good Samaritan’ or volunteer in Australia has never been successfully sued for the consequences of rendering assistance to a person in need. A ‘Good Samaritan’ is defined in legislation as a person acting without the expectation of financial or other reward for providing assistance to a person in need, you must provide a standard of care appropriate to your training (or lack of training). All Australian States and Territories have enacted Statutes that provide some measure of protection for the ‘Good Samaritan’ or volunteer. They are required to act in ‘good faith’ and without recklessness.