Running Head: LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Good Samaritan

Michael Rusu

11/1/2021

NURS 4844: Community Health Nursing

Dr. Kim Ballone

 LETTER TO THE EDITOR 1

If you were walking down the street and saw that someone was hurt, you would help

them, right? While most of us might think we would say yes to this theoretical question, but in

fact being faced with this in real life might bring out different answers. New issues like Covid

have shifted many eyes onto individuals’ health, and I am hoping that I can help clarify some

areas to this possible life saving scenario. I am an EMT that works in the Mahoning and

Trumbull County area, and I see this scenario play out multiple times a week. It would amaze

people to see just how many individuals chose to step aside and not help someone until

professional arrive. This short time between the accident and arrival of medical professional can

be the difference of a life. Some reasons like safety are a very good reason not to aid someone,

but something like fear of legal troubles is not good reason. Many people think that if they try to

intervene that they will be held legally accountable for injuries or some actions they take.

However, this is not always the truth. Individuals, professional or civilian, are protected by the

Good Samaritan Law which allows individuals outside a medical facility to render first aid to

victims of accidents or sudden health problems. For example, if someone goes into cardiac arrest

while you are walking down the street, you are protected under this law if you break that

person’s ribs while preforming CPR. However, this law does have limits as individuals have to

help in a way where their intentions do not deliberately cause harm, so for example no one will

be pulling the old pen in the neck trick from the movies to help someone breath. Overall, this law

is here to protect both people in an accident and someone trying to help. It is important for all

individuals to read up on this law to know their rights, and it is highly encouraged that everyone

take part in some form of first-aid training. In the end, the goal is for everyone to get trained, get

educated, and possible save a life. Then you too could become a good Samaritan.
 LETTER TO THE EDITOR 2

References

“Section 2305.23: Liability for Emergency Care.” Section 2305.23 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio

Laws, https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2305.23.

“Understanding Good Samaritan Laws Cleveland, Ohio.” Agee Clymer, 18 Aug. 2021,

https://www.ageeclymer.com/good-samaritan-laws-ohio/.