Good Samaritan Laws: What Every Bystander Should Know
Protecting the Helpers in Emergencies Across the U.S. and Texas
When someone suddenly collapses at a sporting event, bystanders often hesitate before stepping in. “What if I make it worse?” “Could I be sued?” These are real concerns—but they shouldn’t stop anyone from trying to help save a life. Thankfully, Good Samaritan laws exist to protect well-meaning people who act in emergencies.
What Are Good Samaritan Laws?
Good Samaritan laws are legal protections designed to encourage bystanders to assist others in peril. These laws vary by state, but they generally shield individuals from liability when they:
Act in good faith,
Provide reasonable assistance,
Do not expect compensation, and
Do not act with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
These laws acknowledge a simple truth: it’s better for someone to try and help than for no one to act at all.
Federal vs. State Protections
There is no single federal Good Samaritan law that covers all medical emergencies. Instead, each state defines its own rules. However, federal protections do exist in some contexts—such as the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, which encourages the placement of AEDs in public spaces and provides some liability protection to those who use them.
Still, it’s the state laws that most directly govern what happens when a bystander steps in during a crisis.
Good Samaritan Laws in Texas
Texas provides robust protection for bystanders under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 74.151. This statute shields individuals from liability when they render emergency care in good faith, with key features including:
Applies to medical and non-medical individuals: Whether you’re a trained EMT or a passerby with CPR training, you’re protected when offering emergency help.
No expectation of compensation: You must not receive or expect payment.
Gross negligence is not protected: If someone acts recklessly or beyond the scope of reasonable care, they could still face liability.
Texas also protects AED users and providers under Texas Health & Safety Code § 779, which offers legal immunity to individuals or organizations that acquire, maintain, or use an AED in a good faith emergency—so long as they follow minimal requirements (like calling 911 and reporting AED use).
What This Means for Youth Sports and NYSAP
For those involved in youth sports—coaches, referees, parents, and even young athletes—knowing that the law has your back is empowering.
If you see a cardiac arrest and perform CPR or use an AED, you are legally protected.
You are not expected to perform like a doctor. You’re expected to try.
Calling 911, staying calm, and using what you’ve been trained to do can save a life.
At NYSAP, we train and equip sports teams to be ready for cardiac emergencies. Good Samaritan laws make sure that doing the right thing won’t come with legal consequences.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let fear of liability stop you from stepping in during a crisis. Good Samaritan laws were created to encourage exactly that kind of bravery. In both Texas and across the U.S., if you act with good intentions, you are protected.
Let’s empower more bystanders—especially in youth sports—to become lifesavers.