It’s time to save lives

Good Samaritan Laws were put into place to save lives by providing legal protections to individuals who call 911 in the event of an overdose emergency. Wisconsin has a Good Samaritan Law, but it offers very few protections, leaving people nervous to call 911.

For example, Wisconsin people on probation or parole can be punished if they call 911 to save someone’s life in the event of an overdose. Additionally, overdose survivors have no immunity and can go to jail if there are substances present when first responders come to offer help in the event of an overdose. These legal concerns make it hard for friends and family to feel safe to call 911 in the event of an overdose.

Absolutely no one should fear calling 911 to save a life. Impacted families and communities can’t bear more overdose deaths because someone was afraid to call for help.

Why the current law fails

Good Samaritan Laws are intended to make it easy for people to do the right thing – to save a person’s life – without worrying that you might ruin your own life, or the overdose survivor’s life, in the process.

The threat of criminal penalties continue to instill fear in individuals at the scene of an overdose, hindering them from calling for help.

In 2021, Wisconsin averaged almost five overdose deaths each day. We have to end this.

Limited immunity creates confusion and doubt

The existing law only provides immunity from prosecution to the aider (911 caller) for charges related to paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. The person aiding an overdosing friend has no protection for revocation of probation or extended supervision.

The overdosing person has no protections related to paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, and no protection for revocation of probation or extended supervision.

Others at the scene who are not the 911 caller have no immunity. The law discourages them from staying to render additional aid to the overdosing person (Narcan, CPR, etc.)