Does Wisconsin Law Protect Your Response in an Emergency?

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by Elizabeth Fay

MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- "Let's get human. Help each other," says Ed Vander Grinten of Milwaukee.

Vander Grinten says he was appalled listening to the 911 call from Bakersfield, California where a dispatcher begged a nurse to give CPR to an 87 year-old woman. The nurse refused because it was against policy at the independent living center.

Vander Grinten figures here in Wisconsin someone would jump in to help, since Wisconsin has a Good Samaritan Law.  It says in part,"Any person who renders emergency care at the scene of any emergency or accident in good faith shall be immune from civil liability..."

But Attorney Nola Cross explains that law does not apply to people on the job.  "It can't be something that you are required to do. It can't be something that is part of your employment and it can't be something that you are paid to do. The purpose of the Good Samaritan Law is to encourage people to step up who might not know what to do, that might not have the proper training."

The American Red Cross offers emergency training so bystanders are prepared to voluntarily save a life.  The organization even offers a smart phone app with instructions, pictures and videos to help you begin a rescue effort.

"You should always call 911 first, but the First Aid app will give you some instructions while that emergency is occurring and 911 is on its way, says Sara Bruesewitz with the American Red Cross of South Eastern Wisconsin.

You can download the app on iPhones and Android devices for free.
 

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