Good Samaritan law

First Aid & CPR Quebec

One of the most common concerns people have about administering CPR or first aid is liability: "What if I try to help and something goes wrong? Can I be sued?" The answer, in Quebec, is clear — the law protects you.

Statute citation

Governing act Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, c. C-12, Article 2; Civil Code of Quebec, Article 1471
Scope of protection Civil Code Art. 1471 exempts rescuers from liability unless intentional or gross fault. Charter Art. 2 imposes a legal duty to rescue.
Duty to rescue Yes
Penalty for failure to assist Failure to assist is an offence under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
AED liability protection Protected
Statute Civil Code of Quebec, Article 1471
Legal duty to rescue applies AED protection

Your protection under the law

In Quebec, the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, c. C-12, Article 2; Civil Code of Quebec, Article 1471 provides legal protection to anyone who renders emergency assistance in good faith. Civil Code Art. 1471 exempts rescuers from liability unless intentional or gross fault. Charter Art. 2 imposes a legal duty to rescue.

This protection explicitly extends to the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), statute: Civil Code of Quebec, Article 1471. If you use an AED to help someone in cardiac arrest, you are protected from liability.

Duty to rescue

Quebec is one of only three jurisdictions in North America with a legal duty to rescue. Under Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, c. C-12, Article 2; Civil Code of Quebec, Article 1471, if you witness someone in grave physical danger, you are legally obligated to provide reasonable assistance — whether that means performing CPR, calling emergency services, or both. Failure to assist is an offence under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

This makes CPR training not just valuable — it’s essential. Knowing what to do in an emergency is the difference between being able to meet your legal obligation and standing by helplessly.

Why training matters

Good Samaritan laws protect people who act in good faith. But confidence to act comes from training. A person trained in CPR is far more likely to intervene during a cardiac emergency — and far more likely to do it effectively. Our courses prepare you to respond with skill and confidence, knowing that the law is on your side.