Guam Legislature expands Good Samaritan protections to cover emergency transport and bystanders; adds "without compensation" amendments

Speaker Frank Blasch moved Bill 76-38 COR, which would add a new subsection to Guam law to extend civil immunity for emergency care given in good faith, into third reading after floor debate and two on-the-floor amendments. The measure’s written aim is to protect people who render emergency medical assistance — including bystanders and first responders — from civil liability so long as they act in good faith and are not grossly negligent.

The bill’s author said the measure “provides immunity, protection from liability, for primarily those individuals that provide and render emergency medical assistance in good faith,” and singled out paramedics and medics in the Guam Fire Department. The author told colleagues he had consulted with the Criminal Law Revision Commission and the Attorney General’s office on the definition of “good faith.”

Supporters argued the change would encourage prompt life‑saving interventions. “This bill seeks to encourage prompt, life saving interventions by removing the fear of legal liability for well intentioned bystanders and health care personnel who act reasonably in emergency situations,”…