About 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests (SAC) occur each year while the victims are working, according to OSHA. How many employees do you think are reluctant to come to their aid using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) due to the fear of being sued if something goes wrong?
Good Samaritan laws are meant to protect employees who come to the aid of emergency medical victims motivated by no other reason than concern and kindness. Protection from liability is critical because waiting for the arrival of emergency medical personnel results in only 5-7 percent survival, according to OSHA. Studies with immediate defibrillation have shown up to 60 percent survival after one year after sudden cardiac arrest, according to the agency.