Minister lukewarm on Good Samaritan law for Hong Kong despite official mascot ‘Anyone’ urging residents to help with CPR
- Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan says legislation ‘may not be the best way forward’
- Several countries including Britain, the US and Canada have laws in place to protect rescuers from legal action
Hong Kong’s health minister on Sunday offered a lukewarm response to the idea of passing a Good Samaritan law to provide protection from lawsuits for first aiders if they make mistakes.
Calls for legislation have emerged following the launch in August of a first-aid mascot by the Fire Services Department encouraging Hongkongers to step up and help people in need during an emergency.
The blue mannequin-like figure, named Anyone, is teaching the public how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
However, the citywide campaign has given rise to concerns about the risks of civil or criminal liability should unintended consequences arise.
Asked whether officials would consider legislation to dispel concerns about lawsuits, Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee said she would look into the issue.
