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What protects me from being sued if giving first aid?

Writer's picture: Simon FrancisSimon Francis

What protects me from being sued if giving first aid? The Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015 (SARAH Act) is a piece of UK legislation that was designed to provide reassurance and protection for individuals who act in a responsible, heroic, or socially beneficial way in certain circumstances. The key objective of the Act is to ensure that when courts consider negligence or breach of statutory duty cases, they take into account whether the person being sued was acting for the benefit of society or was acting in an emergency situation.


Here are the key elements of the SARAH Act 2015:

  1. Social Action: The Act requires courts to consider whether the defendant was acting for the benefit of society or any of its members. For example, this might apply if someone is being sued for actions taken while volunteering or helping in a community effort.

  2. Responsibility: Courts are also required to consider whether the person being sued demonstrated a responsible approach to protecting the safety or interests of others. This part of the Act is aimed at protecting those who take reasonable steps to avoid causing harm, even if something unfortunate happens.

  3. Heroism: The Act protects individuals who act heroically by coming to the aid of others in an emergency. Courts must consider whether the person was acting in an emergency situation and trying to assist someone in danger.


What protects me from being sued if giving first aid- summary

The Act was introduced to tackle the perception that individuals and organizations could be deterred from engaging in socially beneficial activities due to fears of being sued for accidents or unintended harm. It aimed to reduce the "compensation culture" that some believed was growing in the UK.

However, some critics argued that the Act was more symbolic than practical, as the principles it enshrines were already largely considered by courts when dealing with cases of negligence or statutory breaches. Nonetheless, the Act clarified and emphasized these principles.



Licensing Professionals guide to Licensing Act 2003
What protects me from being sued if giving first aid

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