First aid: creation of the status of citizen rescue

The lack of knowledge of the behaviors that save (cardiac massage, use of a defibrillator) and the fear of not performing them properly prevent many French people from spontaneously helping a person in distress.

That is why the law grants to anyone who volunteers assistance to a person in an apparent situation of grave and imminent danger the status of

citizen rescuer

and has the benefit of the status of occasional employee of the public service. This allows him to be relieved of any civil liability (except in case of gross or intentional misconduct on his part) if his gesture does not work or if a prejudice results from his intervention.

The Act also provides for the organization of awareness-raising activities on first aid among pupils as part of compulsory schooling, among employees before their retirement, and among referees and sports judges. It establishes a national day to combat cardiac arrest and to raise awareness of what is saving. The details of these measures will be specified by Order in Council.

The goal is to train 80% of the population in order to increase the survival rate of victims of sudden death in France by 3% to 10% within 10 years.

Finally, the bill strengthens penalties for theft or damage to equipment intended to provide first aid. Theft, destruction, degradation, deterioration are punishable by 5 years in prison and €75,000 of fine. The drawing of inscriptions, signs or drawings is punishable by €15,000 a fine and a community service penalty.