Duty to Act & Universal Precautions
When we talk about helping someone who is in need, we all would like to think that we would act without thinking about it. However, as we discussed last month there is hesitation due to a number of reasons. We covered the Good Samaritan Law. As discussed in last month's article, that law protects us in a comprehensive way. Now, let's consider if there were no law. Would we still be as willing to jump in? A large portion would probably say no.
Enter, the duty to act principle. There are two types of duty to act. First, there is a legal duty to act. This applies to anyone involved in the health care or medical community, anyone in childcare or nursing homes, as well as those in law enforcement or who are firefighters. Health clubs, Chiropractic and dental offices also have a duty to help someone who is in need. This legal duty to act only applies to these personnel while they are on duty in there respective professions. While they are off duty, they are like anyone else. Those who don't have a legal duty to act have a so-called moral duty to come to the aid of someone. This simply means that you would perform a humanitarian deed based on your own good conscience. There is no legal obligation here, only the desire to help your fellow man or woman. Finally, when talking about moral duty to act, when in serious doubt about what to do, then call 911. You then have met any obligations to act.
If you do decide to intervene, you should always protect yourself as much as possible. That means wearing protective latex or synthetic gloves, goggles and in the case of CPR, a mouth barrier. While the risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis C or some other airborne or blood borne pathogen is minimal, you want to reduce that even more by using Pep's (personal protection equipment).
Until next month.
Jimmy Mogannam is a certified CPR & basic life support instructor and is additionally authorized to teach in the use of automatic external defibrillators in the community and workplace. Teaching others techniques, which can help save lives in emergency situations, is of particular interest to him. In addition, Jimmy has a special interest in matters of health and nutrition. He has also owned and operated a catering & delicatessen business in the financial district in San Francisco for 17 years. He is all about people.
Email: jimmy@abalancedlifemag.com