911 Good Samaritan Law/protect witnesses who call emergency service to prevent overdose fatalities
- by: Michelle Anderson
- recipient: Establish a state policy to shield people from prosecution for drug possession if they seek medical services when witnessing or experiancing a drug overdose
Drug overdose is the second leading cause of injury
death in the U.S., behind only motor vehicle accidents
and ahead of firearms.
Research consistently shows that the most common
reason for not calling 911 in an overdose situation is
that witnesses are worried about police involvement.
The chance of surviving an overdose, like that of surviving
a heart attack, depends greatly on how fast one receives
medical assistance. Witnesses to heart attacks rarely think
twice about calling 911, but witnesses to an overdose often
squander precious time hesitating to call for help or, in many
cases, simply don%u2019t make the call.
This law will prevent unnecessary deaths. The
majority of drug overdoses occur in the presence of
family, friends, or peers. If medical assistance is
received in a timely manner, someone experiencing
an overdose has an extremely high likelihood of
survival. The most common reason people cite for not seeking
medical assistance when they witness an overdose is
fear of police involvement. People using drugs are
often afraid of arrest for possession or sharing of
illegal substances, even in cases where their friends
or family need medical assistance.
%u2022 Support for providing protection to people who
call 911 is growing.
Please sign this petition
On August 18th we will meet with the State Legislature..
Really need your help, to get this passed in Arizona..
Addiction does not discriminate., And could very well rob the life of a loved one or someone a loved one knows.
The confusion and pain, anger and resentment is so hard to tolerate especially when the possibility- of living- could be VERY REAL...
trying to pick up the pieces after a loss that could of been prevented- yet, NOT- (due to fear of-criminal punishment for drug use or possession) Is UNACCEPTABLE!!! And a pretty cruel way to go and be remembered..
The 911 Good Samaritan law helps to eliminate some of the fear when calling 911 for help during an overdose.
- Place priority on saving lives not arresting vicims for small amounts of drugs.
- The 911 Good Samaritan Bill Will Encourage People to Call 911
- The law will help family members and friends of users without hesitation-get medical care so their loved one doesn%u2019t die..
- Calling for help should never be a crime.
Please sign!
