Bystander First Aid in Europe: What You Are Legally Required to Do

The French Duty to Assist

Article 223-6 of the French Penal Code makes it a criminal offence to fail to assist a person in danger (non-assistance à personne en danger). This applies to everyone, including tourists and expats. The penalty is up to 5 years imprisonment and a €75,000 fine. You are not required to put yourself in danger, but you must at minimum call emergency services.

What Counts as Assistance

At minimum: call 15 (SAMU) or 112. Stay on the line and follow the operator's instructions. If you can safely do more, apply pressure to a wound, place someone in the recovery position, perform CPR, do so. The law protects Good Samaritans who act in good faith.

Other European Countries

Germany: Similar duty to rescue (unterlassene Hilfeleistung, §323c StGB). Penalty up to 1 year imprisonment.

Spain: Duty to assist (omisión del deber de socorro, Art. 195 CP). 6–18 months fine.

Italy: Omissione di soccorso (Art. 593 CP). Up to 1 year imprisonment.

Portugal: Omissão de auxílio (Art. 200 CP). Up to 1 year imprisonment.

Practical Steps

1. Ensure the scene is safe for you
2. Call 112 immediately
3. Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger (fire, traffic)
4. If unconscious but breathing, place in the recovery position
5. If not breathing, start CPR (30 compressions, 2 breaths)
6. Look for a public defibrillator (DAE in French)
7. Stay until professional help arrives