Samaritans were strangers who helped during emergencies. Named after this biblical parable, the “Good Samaritan Law” is designed to encourage individuals to help others without fear of legal repercussions. These legislations protect teens and adults from liability when helping injured victims [1].
In the US, each state has its own version of the Good Samaritan Law, with some providing protection only for healthcare professionals and others extending it to anyone who offers help.
There are also certain situations where the good Samaritan law applies, such as in the case of an overdose or car accident. It’s important for teens to understand these laws to develop confidence in stepping up during emergencies.
What Is The Good Samaritan Law?
The Good Samaritan Law protects people who help someone in an emergency from being sued or prosecuted if something goes wrong while they are providing reasonable aid. It aims to reduce fear of legal consequences so that bystanders, including teens, are more willing to call for help, perform CPR, use naloxone, or offer assistance, rather than do nothing out of fear of getting in trouble with the law.
Good Samaritan protections typically apply when a person voluntarily helps in good faith without expectation of payment and is not grossly negligent or intentionally harmful. These cover situations such as medical emergencies, car accidents, overdoses, or sudden injuries[1].
How Good Samaritan Laws Differ by State
Good Samaritan protections are not the same everywhere in the U.S. Each state writes its own statute, which can differ in:
- Who is protected: Some states protect only trained responders or healthcare professionals, while others protect any bystander who offers aid.
- What situations are covered: Some focus on general medical emergencies, while others have specific overdose or naloxone protections.
- Type of immunity: Many provide civil immunity (protection from being sued), and some also include limited criminal immunity in specific overdose situations.
7 Situations Covered By Good Samaritan Laws
So, in which situations does the Good Samaritan law protect teens if they act in an emergency? Below are seven situations that are covered and protected by good Samaritan laws [1][3].
- Medical Emergencies: Teens are protected when giving basic first aid or CPR to someone experiencing a sudden medical crisis, like a heart attack or choking, as long as they act voluntarily at the scene.
- Drug Overdose: Many states protect teens who call 911 or administer naloxone (Narcan) to reverse an opioid overdose, encouraging quick intervention without fear of liability for the victim’s drug possession.
- Accidents or Injuries (Including Alcohol-Related): Teens aiding at car crashes, falls, or alcohol-involved injuries are protected without fear of repercussions or legal problems related to underage drinking.
- Emergency Care to Injured Animals: Some laws extend protection to teens giving immediate aid to injured pets or wildlife, such as stopping bleeding, though this varies and often requires no intent to harm.
- Failure to Consent: In life-threatening situations where a victim is unconscious, teens can act without explicit consent, protecting them from claims or being sued if aid is reasonable.
- Assisting in Childbirth: Teens helping deliver a baby in an unplanned emergency, following basic guidance, are typically protected under emergency care provisions.
- Psychiatric Emergencies: Teens de-escalating or calling for help during a mental health crisis, such as a suicide attempt, are covered if they provide calming support or basic intervention without harm.
Good Samaritan Laws in Texas
Texas law is designed to protect people, such as giving CPR, using an Automated External Defibrillator, or assisting at a car crash, and they are usually protected from civil liability as long as they act reasonably and do not make the situation worse on purpose.
Texas also has separate, more specific overdose‑related and naloxone Samaritan laws that encourage people to seek emergency help in suspected overdose situations. Teens and young adults in Texas should understand that calling 911, staying with the person, and cooperating with first responders can save a life and are often protected under these laws [2].
When Do Good Samaritan Laws NOT Apply?
Although the Good Samaritan Act provides protection for all citizens, it does not cover all emergencies. Here are a few situations where the law doesn’t apply.
- Gross Negligence
Teens are not protected from legal consequences if their actions are intended to harm the victim.
- Assisting Under The Influence
If you provide aid to victims while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and your actions harm or worsen the victim, you may not be protected. If you are unable to provide safe and effective support, it’s best to wait until professionals arrive.
- Exceptions and Limitations Within the Law
In general, the Good Samaritan Law has limitations, but often varies on a case-by-case basis about when it does or doesn’t apply. Providing unreasonable assistance, not acting in good faith, expecting compensation, or engaging in intentional misconduct will disqualify protection.
Clearfork Academy Insights for Teens and Parents
Clearfork Academy is a network of behavioral health facilities in Texas committed to helping teens recover from substance abuse and mental health disorders. We also provide education and insights to parents and teens to become leaders of safety and wellness in their communities.
Understanding Good Samaritan laws empowers teens to act courageously in emergencies, knowing they are protected when providing good-faith aid like CPR, naloxone administration, or calling 911 during overdoses and accidents. These laws remove barriers to intervention, saving lives and fostering a sense of community responsibility.
Sources
[1] West, B. et al. 2025. Good Samaritan Laws. StatPearls Publishing.
[2] Beacon Law Program. 2023. The Right to Emergency Medical Care and Good Samaritan Laws in Texas.
[3] AMA Journal of Ethics. 2004. Good Samaritan Statutes: Are Medical Volunteers Protected?
Austin Davis, LPC-S
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas. Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design. Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
