Helping at accidents
Discussion
Something I've heard a few times before, at the scene of an accident - don't try to help out or save people - or you'll be arrested.
An Arabic guy I work with said his Dad was arrested as he found a severed arm at the scene - and followed the ambulance to take it to the hospital - and was arrested for doing so - and only released when his (high up) contacts came to sort it out for him.
True or BS?
An Arabic guy I work with said his Dad was arrested as he found a severed arm at the scene - and followed the ambulance to take it to the hospital - and was arrested for doing so - and only released when his (high up) contacts came to sort it out for him.
True or BS?
I have heard similar rumours as well, I was told that if you stop to help at an accident and that someone you give first aid dies you can be held liable for their death and be arrested and held until the family of the deceased decide whether to prosecute/apply death money.
Not sure of the truth about this one, it may another Dubai rumour with no basis in the truth. Would be good to know what is correct though.
Not sure of the truth about this one, it may another Dubai rumour with no basis in the truth. Would be good to know what is correct though.
my Understanding from the Mother whom has helped at a few accidents now.
If you tell anyone your a Doctor or Nurse etc and stop and help someone then potentially you could be sued as you are presenting yourself as a professional, my Mum (who is a Nurse) is carefull about this if not actually working as when off duty their insurance no longer covers her. (only applies if you are a cop/Nurse/Doctor etc however)
In the terms of a member of public, you can only be prosecuted or convicted if it is seen (and proven) that something you done at the scene was negligent or contributed to the death/injury of someone where you should have reasonably known this would happen.
For example, if someone says their back hurts and then you go and rip them out of the car and cause permenant back damage then you could be held liable as it could be said that it is common knoledge that you do not move someone who may have a broken back.
On the other hand if there was some sort of sign (can't think of one off-hand) that most Doctors and Nurses would know is a sign of something bad but it is not expected that every MOP should know this, and as a result you do something something which makes it worse or the person dies, then you would not be held liable. You would have to stand up and justify every action you took however explaining why...bassicly having your actions looked over and analysed with a fine tooth comb.
If you tell anyone your a Doctor or Nurse etc and stop and help someone then potentially you could be sued as you are presenting yourself as a professional, my Mum (who is a Nurse) is carefull about this if not actually working as when off duty their insurance no longer covers her. (only applies if you are a cop/Nurse/Doctor etc however)
In the terms of a member of public, you can only be prosecuted or convicted if it is seen (and proven) that something you done at the scene was negligent or contributed to the death/injury of someone where you should have reasonably known this would happen.
For example, if someone says their back hurts and then you go and rip them out of the car and cause permenant back damage then you could be held liable as it could be said that it is common knoledge that you do not move someone who may have a broken back.
On the other hand if there was some sort of sign (can't think of one off-hand) that most Doctors and Nurses would know is a sign of something bad but it is not expected that every MOP should know this, and as a result you do something something which makes it worse or the person dies, then you would not be held liable. You would have to stand up and justify every action you took however explaining why...bassicly having your actions looked over and analysed with a fine tooth comb.
To be honest, and without specific knowledge of UAE law on this subject, it would seem to me that helping at the scene of an accident and potentially being sued for it would be much more likely in the UK and US than out here. Certainly members of my family in the UK who are doctors unanimously agree that it is not worth their while volunteering to help accident victims or people who fall seriously ill, as they take their career into their hands at that point. Sad but true.
If anything, I have found people in the UAE to be exceptionally considerate in helping people stranded by the side of the road (in stark contrast to their discourteous driving standards!), and I believe the same willingness to help would apply if there were an accident.
If anything, I have found people in the UAE to be exceptionally considerate in helping people stranded by the side of the road (in stark contrast to their discourteous driving standards!), and I believe the same willingness to help would apply if there were an accident.
Gassing Station | Middle East | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff