Updates
Basic Life Support 2019 Update
The American Red Cross has updated their Basic Life support program to include the latest science and best practices.
Department of Defense Military Training Network Converts to American Red Cross
As of October 9, 2018, military and civilian Federal employees of the Military Health System started phasing in training from the American Red Cross for life-support training programs. Training programs include Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
Hands Only CPR
Don't need formal training? You can still be a good samaritan and save a life! Check out the quick video on hands only CPR!
Good Samaritan Laws
Good Samaritan laws offer legal protection to people who give reasonable assistance to those who are, or who they believe to be, injured, ill, in peril, or otherwise incapacitated. The protection is intended to reduce bystanders' hesitation to assist, for fear of being sued or prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death. Good Samaritan laws may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction as do their interactions with various other legal principles, such as consent, parental rights and the right to refuse treatment. Most such laws do not apply to medical professionals or career emergency responders on-the-job conduct, but some extend protection to professional rescuers when they are acting in a volunteer capacity.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have some type of Good Samaritan law. The details of good Samaritan laws/acts vary by jurisdiction, including who is protected from liability and under what circumstances.