Posted By Mitch Smiff, No experience of this but what didn't she do? Mitch

Posted By David Bannister Smiff, undergoing training in first aid does not impose any strict duty to use the training and calling a duty nurse may well have been the best option in that specific circumstance. The person who has given bad advice regarding potential prosecution should themselves be advised to keep their erroneous and uninformed opinions to themselves in as strong a language as possible. Your neighbour will have her own opinion on whether her actions were appropriate, probably for many years to come, without any external criticism.

Posted By Smiff Thanks David, though rather more eloquently put, that's pretty much what I told her last night (over a couple of pints)

Posted By Adie During my training course for First Aid at Work, the liability subject was raised. The instructor pointed out that there has only ever been one attempt at a private action against a first aider, which, unsurprisingly went against the individual doing the suing! The instructor added that it would be incredibly unlikely that a judge would entertain a case against a first aider who acted in the patients best interests and in accordance with training given. As an individual, I would not have volunteered as a first aider if I could be held personally accountable and sued!!! My goal is to try and save life, prevent the condition from worsening, not to be sued... Tell your friend she did exactly the right thing.

Posted By David John Harris I agree with all that has gone before in this discourse but would add in First Aid training it is said that the FA should obtain help by either contacting (themselves) or by designating another to get competent help and then carryout their duty of attempted rescusitation until the professional help arrives. No chance of being a prosecution, however, but maybe refresher training?

Posted By Bob Shillabeer Not a lawyer, but, from what we know there is nothing for your friend to worry about. Hopefully she did what she thought was correct at the time. First aiders are not lawyers. What if she was not a first aider what would she have done? Raise the alarm and get a qualified nurse to attend as quickly as possible? This seems to be exactly what she did, how long ago did she do her training, possibly too long to have a go, if it was more recent perhaps she put the person in the recovery position and then went to raise the alarm and get help. Or being rather synical, perhaps she was alarmed at the situation and took the best course of action she could think off at the time. Whichever she acted the way she felt appropriate at the time. Reassure her that she will not face any charges or other procedings as there is no evidence of any criminal or other type of action against her. Unless of course she caused the problem in the first place which seems to be a bit OTT. Reassure her that she acted in an appropriate way as there was someone with a higher standard of training available so she did what she thought was the best form of action.