Understanding the legal implications of CPR HCP and other first aid techniques for doctors, nurses and other professionals is one of the most effective ways to realize the importance and relevance of these live-saving methods despite some studies that claim that these methods do more harm than good. Here are the legal implications of CPR HCP and first aid for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals in Canada.
Administration of CPR HCP outside healthcare facilities
Generally, healthcare professionals who administer CPR HCP and other first aid techniques outside of healthcare facilities are protected by the Good Samaritan Law. This law is often discussed in symposiums held by healthcare organizations such as the Canadian Nurses Protective Society. Under this law, healthcare providers can administer first aid, CPR and other life-saving techniques on individuals without being held liable for any damages. However, the administration of any life-saving technique initiates a healthcare professional-client relationship. This means that further medical assistance should be done until the patient or afflicted individual is stable.
Non-administration of CPR HCP outside healthcare facilities
The main goal of the Good Samaritan Law is to protect healthcare professionals and other individuals who desire to help others through first aid and CPR from being held liable for wanting to help others and to promote the idea that CPR and first aid should still be administered in emergency situations. This is why nurses and other healthcare professionals cannot be held liable if they do not administer first aid or CPR outside healthcare facilities.
Administration of CPR HCP inside healthcare facilities
During emergency situations wherein performing CPR is necessary, a code is called in and an emergency response team is sent to the patient’s room or bed to perform the necessary procedures. Other first aid procedures are also expected to be administered by all healthcare professionals if the situation calls for one. This means that first aid and CPR are still administered even in hospitals and other healthcare facilities since they are effective in emergency situations.
Non-administration of CPR HCP inside healthcare facilities
Aside from their ethical and moral code to do no harm and to not omit any necessary procedures, doctors and other healthcare professionals are legally bound to perform first aid and CPR whenever necessary. They can be held liable if they do not perform CPR and other life-saving techniques especially if they are well-equipped or if they have every chance to do so during their duty.