Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Against which of the following claims could Good Samaritan laws potentially provide protection against liability?

1. Negligence

2. Criminal conduct

3. Slander

4. Assault

The correct answer is: Negligence

Good Samaritan laws are designed to encourage bystanders to assist those who are injured or in peril without the fear of legal repercussions, as long as their actions are reasonable and intended to help. The primary claim against which these laws provide protection is negligence. In a negligence claim, the injured party may argue that the individual providing aid failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would have, leading to further harm. Good Samaritan laws typically stipulate that as long as the person providing aid is acting in good faith and without gross negligence, they cannot be held liable for any unintended consequences resulting from their assistance. This legal protection incentivizes individuals to help others in emergencies, knowing that they won’t face serious legal consequences for good intentions that result in unanticipated negative outcomes. In contrast, claims of criminal conduct, slander, and assault involve intentional wrongdoing or harmful actions that do not relate to emergency assistance. Good Samaritan laws are not intended to protect against these types of claims, which are based on the intent and nature of the actions rather than on the context of providing medical aid or assistance in emergencies.