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ken56 wrote:
I am not a lawyer but I thought there were something like Good Samaritan laws in place for those who may try to help and their efforts are genuine that protect them from lawsuits. That said, doing the right thing should always be the foremost thought rather than being sued.

You are correct, Ken. Good Samaritan laws in most states protect those who act in good faith (at least those of us who are licensed health care providers - I don't know about lay persons) during an emergency. The important things to remember are:

1) Call for EMS and police.

2) At least do no harm.

3) C-spine stability. Never move anyone from the position in which you find them if there is the slightest chance of spinal instability - unless they are in imminent danger from fire or drowning.

4) A, B, C (airway, breathing, circulation). If they are not conscious and talking to you, make sure their airway is not obstructed and that they are breathing. Unless they are in full cardiac arrest, the circulation part consists of controlling any bleeding resulting from trauma - apply pressure to bleeding wounds.

5) Stay with the victim(s) and reassure and comfort them until EMS arrives.

Rob