What Hong Kong needs before a Good Samaritan law: more training in first aid

The tale of the Good Samaritan originates from the Bible (Luke 10:25-37), and its message is to love your neighbours. The Samaritan was considered a good man because he showed compassion for a stranger who had been attacked by robbers. I think compassion comes spontaneously and so a passer-by may voluntarily help a person who is hurt or in distress.

However, when helping someone in a medical situation, compassion alone is not enough; it is important that people know what they are doing.

In the case of traffic accidents, victims may be suffering from bone fractures or crush syndrome. Some people may be having a medical episode like a heart attack or an epileptic fit. It is not possible for untrained people to help those patients, as there is a specific way of moving or tending to them. Also, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be administered according to specific techniques and positions, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) should be used only by people who have received training to use such devices. The government should focus on more people receiving basic training in first aid and CPR, so that they can truly help others in need. Otherwise, it is best to wait until trained paramedics arrive.