Robert B. wrote:

>>>I'm surprised no one has said it yet in this thread, but yes,
>>>you can buy an automatic defibrillator that can be used at
>>>home.  You probably can't use it on yourself, because by the
>>>time you actually need it, you're unconscious, but there are
>>>devices which (supposedly) are soon to be mandated in all
>>>public spaces in the US (malls, airports, etc.) which have
>>>very simple and very explicit instructions for being attached
>>>to the poor sucker lying on the floor.  The device then
>>>decides whether or not it is attached properly, and after
>>>that, whether or not to shock the person.
>>>      
>>>
>>And in the US surely it would also come with a list of attorneys number
>>so the relatives of the deceased can sue the user of the defibrillator?
>>:)
>>
>>Regards
>>
>>Mike
>>    
>>
>
>Believe it or not, protection from such lawsuits are covered under the "good
>samaritan" laws here.  Unless the person is a trained or semi-trained
>professional then the law clearly indicates that damages should not be
>awarded for an honest attempt at saving someone's life.  Of course this
>doesn't stop anybody from filing a lawsuit, but it generally discourages the
>practice, and in all but the most negligent of cases (perhaps using the 110V
>AC line would qualify?) the judge tends to throw out the suits.  I quote a
>version of the law below.
>  1.. Duty to Assist: A person at the scene of an emergency who knows that
>another person is exposed to or has suffered grave physical harm shall, to
>the extent that the person can do so without danger or peril to self or
>others, give reasonable assistance to the exposed person. Reasonable
>assistance may include obtaining or attempting to obtain aid from law
>enforcement or medical personnel. A person who violates this subdivision is
>guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
>  2.. General immunity from liability: A person who, without compensation or
>the expectation of compensation, renders emergency care, advice, or
>assistance at the scene of an emergency or during transit to a location
>where professional medical care can be rendered, is not liable for any civil
>damages as a result of acts of omissions by that person in rendering the
>emergency care, advice, or assistance, unless the person acts in a willful
>and wanton or reckless manner in providing the care, advice, or assistance.
>This subdivision does not apply to a person rendering emergency care,
>advice, or assistance during the course or regular employment, and receiving
>compensation or expecting to receive compensation for rendering the care,
>advice, or assistance.
>
>  
>
In Georgia USA, and many other states, licensed nurses and doctors are 
obligated to
stop and render aid, and with their uncompensated assistance, no lawsuit 
can be brought.
To that end, my wife (an Registered Nurse with a multi-state license), 
carries a first aid kit
in the trunk of her car at all times.

--Bob

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