Posted By Malcolm Hogarth Are there any recorded cases of first aiders being sued for negligence after having treated a csualty. I am trying to reassure somebody who is not convinced and is getting a bit paranoid about it. Thanks in anticipation. Malcolm

Posted By Ken C Hi Provided you follow the basic rules you are not open to a negligence claim. The rules that I have been taught are as follows. 1. Always say that you CAN help and not that you WILL help. Acting in this way means that there is implied consent. i.e they have not tried to stop you. My wife is also told this as a Nurse with the NHS. 2. Never step outside the bounds of what you have been trained to do. I have seen a First Aid instructor teach intubation (I think I have spelled that right) which is not and never will be a First Aid issue. This for those that don't know is the bag to help you breath that is used by Paramedics upwards. Follow these and any claim against you would be difficult to prove. I have never heard of a successfull claim for negligence in this matter but the way our litigious society is going I think people would at least try. Regards Ken C