Many people are concerned about providing first aid in an emergency because they worry about legal consequences if something goes wrong.
In the UK, the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015 — often referred to as the SARAH Act — was introduced to provide reassurance to those who step forward to help others.
But what does the Act actually mean in practice?
What Is the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015?
The Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015 is UK legislation that requires courts to consider the context of a person’s actions when determining negligence or breach of statutory duty.
In simple terms, the Act recognises that individuals acting:
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For the benefit of society
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In an emergency
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To help someone in danger
Should not be judged unfairly if something goes wrong while they are trying to assist.
What Does This Mean for First Aiders?
If someone provides first aid in good faith, during an emergency, and within the limits of their training, the courts must consider:
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Whether they were acting heroically
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Whether they were trying to assist someone in danger
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Whether they were acting responsibly
The Act supports those who step forward to help rather than penalising them for attempting to do the right thing.
Does the SARAH Act Protect First Aiders from Being Sued?
The Act does not provide blanket immunity from legal action.
However, it reinforces existing legal principles that already make successful claims against first aiders extremely rare — particularly when:
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The person acted in good faith
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They did what they reasonably believed was appropriate
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They stayed within the scope of their training
In reality, there are very few cases in the UK of first aiders being successfully sued for assisting in an emergency.
Why This Matters for Workplace First Aiders
Some employees hesitate to volunteer as First Aiders due to fear of legal consequences.
Understanding the SARAH Act can help:
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Increase confidence
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Encourage volunteers
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Strengthen workplace emergency preparedness
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Reinforce the importance of training
Proper training ensures individuals understand both their responsibilities and their limits.
The Importance of Accredited Training
While the SARAH Act offers reassurance, the most important protection for a First Aider is:
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Proper training
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Acting within competence
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Following workplace procedures
Accredited First Aid training provides the knowledge and confidence needed to respond appropriately in an emergency situation.