06/10/2026
CAN YOU BE SUED FOR GIVING FIRST AID?
It’s a worry we sometimes hear on first aid courses:
“What if I do CPR and something goes wrong — could I be sued?”
When someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, every second counts. Fear of getting it wrong shouldn’t stop someone from trying to help.
Doing something is better than doing nothing.
In England and Wales, the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015 (SARAH Act) provides additional reassurance for people who step forward to help others in an emergency.
If a claim were ever brought, the court must consider the circumstances in which the person was acting — including whether they were acting for the benefit of society, taking a responsible approach or acting heroically in an emergency.
For someone giving genuine first aid and trying to help to the best of their ability, the risk of being successfully sued is extremely low.
When somebody suffers a cardiac arrest, early CPR and use of an AED can make a huge difference to their chance of survival.
That’s why we teach people not only what to do, but also give them the confidence to actually step forward and do it.
Don’t be frightened to help.
Call 999. Start CPR. Get an AED.
At Revive First Aid Training, our courses combine recognised first aid training with real frontline ambulance experience, helping people feel confident when it really matters.
Get in touch to find out about our First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid courses.
Revive First Aid Training
Real training. Real experience. Real confidence.
