Good Samaritan law

First Aid & CPR Oregon

The Good Samaritan: compassion and protection

Drawn from the Bible (Luke 10:25-37), the parable of the Good Samaritan tells of a traveller left for dead who is rescued by a stranger that tends to him and sees to his care. Beyond its religious context, it carries a universal message: the moral duty to help others in danger, through compassion and altruism.

Inspired by this principle, many so-called Good Samaritan laws have been enacted around the world to protect those who assist in good faith during an emergency from legal action. The exact scope of that protection, however, varies from one jurisdiction to another: here is what the law applicable to your region provides.

Statute citation

Governing act Oregon Good Samaritan law — ORS 30.800 (liability for emergency medical assistance)
Scope of protection A person who in good faith renders emergency medical assistance (including CPR, AED use or basic first aid) at the scene of an emergency, without expectation of compensation, is not liable for acts or omissions, except for gross negligence or reckless, wanton or intentional misconduct.
Duty to rescue No
AED liability protection Protected
Statute AED immunity is provided at ORS 30.802: a person who uses, attempts to use or does not use an automated external defibrillator is immune from civil liability, unless the person acted with gross negligence or reckless, wanton or intentional misconduct, or the use occurred where emergency medical care is regularly available.
No legal duty to rescue AED protection

Your protection under the law

In Oregon, ORS 30.800 protects a person who, in good faith and without expectation of pay, renders emergency medical assistance — CPR, AED use, or basic first aid — at the scene of an emergency. They are liable for their acts or omissions only for gross negligence or reckless, wanton, or intentional misconduct. The AED has its own immunity at ORS 30.802, which even covers attempting to use the device or choosing not to use it.

No duty to act, but every reason to

Oregon makes assistance no legal duty: helping remains a free decision, guided by your goodwill. The law backs that choice broadly, covering every good-faith act and even AED use in all its forms — using it, attempting to, or refraining. You are thus free to act, and protected when you do; all that's missing is the preparation to act well.

Why training matters

From the hiking trails of the Cascade Range to Pacific-battered beaches, Oregon calls people outdoors — where help is sometimes slowest to arrive. In such places, a trained companion may become the only recourse for precious minutes. CPR and first-aid training teaches you to size up a situation, resuscitate effectively, and use an AED without hesitation. Invest in that skill: it will follow you everywhere and may one day change everything.