Situation
I have just qualified and got my provisional registration. I am due to start my FY1 post very soon. At the weekend I witnessed a cyclist being hit by a car. He was badly injured. I was the only person with any medical experience before the ambulance arrived. I gave a statement to the police about what happened. Is there anything else I should do? A friend mentioned that I shouldn’t have got involved because I am only provisionally registered.
Regulatory guidance
As a provisionally registered doctor, you may participate only in the first year of a UK-approved foundation programme. However, in this situation you acted as a Good Samaritan, and this is in line with your professional obligations as set out in the General Medical Council’s (GMC) Good medical practice.
“You must offer help in an emergency, taking account of your own safety, your competence, and the availability of other options for care.”
MDDUS advice
While there is no legal duty on you to act as a Good Samaritan, doing so shows your awareness and compliance with your ethical responsibilities.
It is helpful you have given a statement to the police while events were fresh in your mind. Please be assured the benefits of MDDUS membership include access to worldwide indemnity for Good Samaritan acts, so you should contact MDDUS if there are any further developments.
While not drawn from a real case, this hypothetical example represents a situation that could arise.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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