California Good Samaritan Law

The Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan tells the tale of an unfortunate Jewish man who was attacked and beaten by robbers. Though the Jewish and Samaritan people were historically enemies, a kind Samaritan was the only person to stop and help the victim, bandaging his wounds and taking him to an inn where he could heal. This story exemplifies the importance of treating everyone you see as your neighbor, even if they come from a different walk of life.

Inspired by this parable, California legislators have passed a Good Samaritan law aiming to encourage bystanders to intervene if they see someone who looks like they need help. It also ensures rescuers act responsibly in providing emergency care.

What Is the Good Samaritan Law?

If someone acting in good faith provides medical or non-medical care to a person at risk of harm, with no expectation of payment or reward, the Good Samaritan law protects them from a lawsuit if there was no gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Since EMTs and other first responders cannot always get to the scene of an accident immediately, timely assistance from bystanders can save lives and prevent further injuries.

Examples of Good Samaritan acts include:

• Helping an injured driver get out of their car after a minor accident
• Pulling a drowning swimmer out of a pool and performing CPR
• Providing first aid to someone who tripped and fell on the sidewalk in front of you

Good Samaritan Laws and Accidental Drug Overdoses

Responding to an accidental overdose by moving an unconscious person into the recovery position and calling 911 is another excellent example of being a Good Samaritan. Drug overdoses take the lives of approximately 130 Americans each day, but most of these deaths are preventable if the people around the victim know what to do and act quickly.

In the case of an accidental overdose, Good Samaritan laws provide limited protection from arrest, charge or prosecution for low-level drug violations. That means you can provide lifesaving intervention on a friend or loved one’s behalf without worrying that you will face legal consequences for doing so.

How to Respond to a Drug Overdose

Respiratory failure is the leading cause of drug overdoses. When someone combines intoxicants or takes more drugs than their body can handle, their organs and systems will begin shutting down, starting with the central nervous system and continuing with the brain, heart and lungs.

Warning signs of a drug overdose include:

• Extreme confusion and disorientation
• Vomiting, seizures and hallucinations
• Slow or irregular breathing and heart rate
• Bluish lips and fingernails
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Clammy or feverish skin
• Unresponsiveness

While a drug overdose can be terrifying, it could provide the catalyst you need to convince someone you care about that it’s time to seek help for their addiction. In a Christian rehab program, your loved one can learn to apply Biblical principles to their struggles with substance abuse.

Why Choose Christian Treatment?

People who come to Celebrate Hope’s faith-based rehab can expect to find fellowship, self-forgiveness and a strengthened relationship with God on their journey to improved health and wellness. To learn more about our programming and how we can help you and your family, contact us today.