About Good Samaritan acts

A Good Samaritan act is generally taken to mean an act in which a person attempts to provide medical treatment to another person who is experiencing difficulty. Often in such instances they will be an unsuspecting passer-by.

Unlike in other countries in the world such as France, Germany and the US, Good Samaritan acts are not enshrined in law in the UK, and as such there is no legal defence against malpractice arising from such acts. Equally there is no legal obligation for anyone, whether they are a healthcare professional or otherwise, to provide any assistance in a medical emergency.

Helping others could leave you open to litigation

That is not to say however that Good Samaritan acts do not occur, when in fact they do all around the country on a daily basis. Medical practitioners are often the most qualified to deliver first aid at the scene of an incident, and so they if they happen to be in the right place at the right time they will usually endeavour to use their skills to help someone experiencing difficulties.

Whilst very few people would be ungrateful to someone administering first aid to them, it is not unheard of for civil claims to be brought against Good Samaritan healthcare professionals for what is considered to be medical malpractice. This might be through incorrectly administering a procedure, or simply through negligence. Whilst such claims are very rarely successful, the cost of fighting them can be enormous, and significantly damage your professional career.

Confidence in helping others

The Medical Indemnity Register is an independent broker that specialise in insurance for medical professionals for Good Samaritan acts, covering you for any treatment that you administer when outside of work. This works in much the same way as your employer’s medical indemnity insurance, but provides protection against compensation claims wherever you happen to be.

If you feel that you are able to provide assistance in a medical emergency, then you should be able to use your skills to help without the fear of costly litigation. Our insurance covers you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to afford you peace of mind when trying to assist others.

Call now on 0117 9556835 to arrange a cost-effective policy.