Would you know what to do
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
As a former Medic on an ALS unit, most if not all Good Sam laws protect you so long as you do not do ANYTHING beyond what you have training for.
Example, If you try to set someone's leg and have never been trained how to do a proper splint you can be sued for acting beyond your capabilities.
Bottom line, stop and help, but do not do anything that you have not been trained to do and you will have nothing to worry about.
On the flip side, some states have laws that require trained personnel to give aid when dispatched emergency personnel are not on-site. If you are trained and pass by an accident and someone knows it, you can be sued in some situations.
Being trained can be a double edged sword. But I do believe everyone should know basic first aid and CPR, it may be a loved one that needs it one day.
Example, If you try to set someone's leg and have never been trained how to do a proper splint you can be sued for acting beyond your capabilities.
Bottom line, stop and help, but do not do anything that you have not been trained to do and you will have nothing to worry about.
On the flip side, some states have laws that require trained personnel to give aid when dispatched emergency personnel are not on-site. If you are trained and pass by an accident and someone knows it, you can be sued in some situations.
Being trained can be a double edged sword. But I do believe everyone should know basic first aid and CPR, it may be a loved one that needs it one day.
Last edited by 8541hog; Jun 8, 2012 at 01:12 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
If you're not protected by the statute, the general rule under the common law was that you had no duty to render aid, but if you did render aid, you had a duty not to be negligent in so doing. It's definitely worthwhile to check the statute in your state and find out what protection you have from the statute, and whether you have any duty to give aid.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
Experienced these situations a number of times. Worst was a double fatal in France where 2 guys hit the central barrier on a Kawa - nothing I could do there. Not a qualified first aider so I only do peripheral stuff - calling emergency services, making sure everyone is accounted for (no pillion lying out of sight in a field of corn for example), making sure secondary accidents don't happen, checking ignition is off - especially if there's petrol spilt, asking about the injuries and trying to build a picture for the professionals when they arrive. Once I got involved in getting someone out of an overturned car which looked like a fire risk but generally unless you have to do something immediately I wouldn't attempt anything that can wait until the experts get there.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
I believe everyone should take & know basic first aid & CPR...if for no other reason than your family. I take it through work, but I'm thinking of my wife & 3 kids when I do & also so I could possibly help someone in need.
I would absolutely stop and help a rider down as much as I could, but only to my limits & make sure professionals are on their way.
Same thing no matter where you are....few years back I was once eating in a steak restaurant and a guy started choking. 20 people stood around not knowing what to do or wanting to help. I asked the guy if he was choking, shook his head yes, so I did the Heimlich on him & got the piece of steak out of his airway. Him & his family offered to pay for my dinner several times, but I refused. Point is, you never know when you could possibly save someone's life so it's good knowledge to have.
I would absolutely stop and help a rider down as much as I could, but only to my limits & make sure professionals are on their way.
Same thing no matter where you are....few years back I was once eating in a steak restaurant and a guy started choking. 20 people stood around not knowing what to do or wanting to help. I asked the guy if he was choking, shook his head yes, so I did the Heimlich on him & got the piece of steak out of his airway. Him & his family offered to pay for my dinner several times, but I refused. Point is, you never know when you could possibly save someone's life so it's good knowledge to have.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
I ride with an EMT/fireman and he has given us some pointers, much of what is covered above. Funny thing is last summer he is the one that crashed after wobble incedent on I-25 in CO. Luckily he faired okay and nothing drastic was required on our part. Scary when it happens.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Highly recommend taking a good first aid course. Get your buddies and family members and maybe you can get a group discount if you are being charged for the class. Always good to have people to be able to help in a emergency situation. Many dont know what to do and freeze up and will simply stand by and watch cause they dont know what to do or are afraid to help. You can ask them to cover some specific areas of importance when it comes to a motorcycle crash. You can also check into what the good Samaritan laws are for your state and surrounding states you may ride in.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
I got certified for both 1st aid and CPR, years ago. It'd be a good idea to get re-certified, periodically. Keep in mind: The first responder to an accident will more than likely be just another ordinary person, like ourselves. How prepared we are to deal w/ such an emergency can be the difference between life and death.
I'm also trained in CPR for my job, but the first job of the first responder to an accident is make sure the area is safe. Secure the scene to stop further injuries to yourself and the injured person, and if possible send somebody to call for help (911), then assess the injured person. If you have to perform CPR while waiting for the EMTs try to have somebody help you, it's hard work doing chest compressions.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: WF-Texas!
I believe everyone should take & know basic first aid & CPR...if for no other reason than your family. I take it through work, but I'm thinking of my wife & 3 kids when I do & also so I could possibly help someone in need.
I would absolutely stop and help a rider down as much as I could, but only to my limits & make sure professionals are on their way.
Same thing no matter where you are....few years back I was once eating in a steak restaurant and a guy started choking. 20 people stood around not knowing what to do or wanting to help. I asked the guy if he was choking, shook his head yes, so I did the Heimlich on him & got the piece of steak out of his airway. Him & his family offered to pay for my dinner several times, but I refused. Point is, you never know when you could possibly save someone's life so it's good knowledge to have.
I would absolutely stop and help a rider down as much as I could, but only to my limits & make sure professionals are on their way.
Same thing no matter where you are....few years back I was once eating in a steak restaurant and a guy started choking. 20 people stood around not knowing what to do or wanting to help. I asked the guy if he was choking, shook his head yes, so I did the Heimlich on him & got the piece of steak out of his airway. Him & his family offered to pay for my dinner several times, but I refused. Point is, you never know when you could possibly save someone's life so it's good knowledge to have.
And if you look like money, there are scammers out there who probably wouldn't mind faking a choking in order to set up a lawsuit, or just the threat of one, to make a quick buck.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Take a simple course geared towards first responders. Good Samaritan laws cover you unless you do something grossly negligent. With that said a low life ambulance chasing lawyer can sue anybody, anytime, over anything. I would not let any of this get in the way of simple first aid.