Giving first aid outside the workplace: advice for nurses

When and whether nurses should provide first aid, including CPR, when off duty, including your legal and moral responsibilities and what the NMC code says

Death can sometimes be prevented if first aid is given before emergency services arrive, and any nurse might find themselves in a situation where they could perform it.

It is therefore important for nurses to understand their legal and moral responsibilities to offer assistance when off duty, and how to overcome challenges they might face when giving first aid outside of the work environment.

Do nurses have a legal obligation to provide first aid while off duty?

In the UK, there is no legal duty for nurses to volunteer help in an emergency situation,