Each province in Canada has its own version of a “Good Samaritan’s Act” that may protect individuals who voluntarily respond to an emergency from legal repercussions. First Aiders and medical personnel should only perform medical treatment within their own breadth of training. Public and private access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is growing, as there is increasing research supporting their impact on survival rates in victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
According to the Emergency Medical Aid Act of Alberta, a person is “not liable for damages for injuries to or the death of that person alleged to have been caused by an act or omission on his or her part in rendering the medical services or first aid assistance, unless it is established that the injuries or death were caused by gross negligence on his or her part.” (Section 2 of the Emergency Medical Aid Act, 2000).
This may not always apply, including in workplaces where first aid or medical response is a requirement of a position, or where employers and employees are responsible for workplace safety. Employees should discuss with their management regarding their medical responsibilities in the case of an emergency.
Alberta Occupational Health & Safety supports the use of AEDs in the workplace, “provided that the employer ensures AED use is integrated into the site’s first aid program and emergency response plan, and that it can be safely used in that specific work environment.” It also requires that employers and employees follow manufacturer instructions for AED use and care. Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety.aspx, and by discussing with your employer and management.