China's very own "Good Samaritan" Law is now in effect. People will now have legal protection when they try to help others who are, or who they believe to be incapacitated. Many lives are thought to have been lost in the past over people's fear of being sued or prosecuted for an unintentional injury. CGTN's Rory Cohen has more.

 

In Nanjing in 2006, a student Pengyu tried to help an old woman who fell from a bus. However, the woman said she was assaulted by the man, a claim which was upheld in court. He was told to pay 40-thousand yuan in compensation for her medical fees. The judge explained his hands were tied because there were no witnesses. Pengyu received a lot of public sympathy over the decision and it's one of the cases which prompted calls for better legal protection for "good samaritans".

 

Although the law is now officially nationwide, five of China's major cities have already been practicing it. South China's Shenzhen was the first city to introduce it, in 2013.

 

The legislation encourages people to help those in need, by granting them legal immunity even if their efforts result in more harm. However, with so many people lacking any basic knowledge of first aid, it remains to be seen how this law will progress. "We still need some professional training. Abrupt rescues are risky. For example, incorrect chest compressions may cause rib fractures and soft tissue bruises."

 

It's hoped that the law might encourage more people to learn live-saving skills knowing that if their good intentions go wrong, they won't have the threat of legal action hanging over them.