Good Samaritan law

One of the most common concerns people have about administering CPR or first aid is liability: "What if I try to help and something goes wrong? Can I be sued?" The answer, in Minnesota, is clear — the law protects you.

Your protection under the law

In Minnesota, the Minn. Stat. § 604A.01 provides legal protection to anyone who renders emergency assistance in good faith. Includes a duty to assist: a person at the scene who knows another is exposed to grave physical harm must give reasonable assistance. Violation is a petty misdemeanor. Subdivision 2 provides general immunity from liability for those rendering emergency care.

This protection explicitly extends to the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), statute: Minn. Stat. § 604A.01. If you use an AED to help someone in cardiac arrest, you are protected from liability.

Duty to rescue

Minnesota is one of only three jurisdictions in North America with a legal duty to rescue. Under Minn. Stat. § 604A.01, if you witness someone in grave physical danger, you are legally obligated to provide reasonable assistance — whether that means performing CPR, calling emergency services, or both. Petty misdemeanor

This makes CPR training not just valuable — it’s essential. Knowing what to do in an emergency is the difference between being able to meet your legal obligation and standing by helplessly.

Why training matters

Good Samaritan laws protect people who act in good faith. But confidence to act comes from training. A person trained in CPR is far more likely to intervene during a cardiac emergency — and far more likely to do it effectively. Our courses prepare you to respond with skill and confidence, knowing that the law is on your side.