Legal Liability

In South Africa, there is no single statutory “Good Samaritan law” that automatically protects every bystander who helps in an emergency. Liability is generally assessed under common-law negligence, using a “reasonable person” standard.

That said, a layperson who gives CPR in good faith is unlikely to be held liable simply because the outcome is poor. CPR is only used when the person is already in a life-threatening situation, and chest injuries can occur even when CPR is done correctly. The key is to act reasonably, within your training, and call emergency services.