MA H2420

EMTs may restrain patients who present an immediate or serious threat of bodily harm to themselves or others, subject to department regulations, using minimum necessary restraint and documenting all restraints in written reports

Persons receiving an opioid antagonist (such as naloxone) for a drug overdose must be transported by ambulance to a hospital with or without consent, and held until a physician determines the overdose is reversed and the person is no longer in imminent danger

Law enforcement officials must assist EMTs with patient restraint upon request, and may conduct limited searches for dangerous weapons when safety concerns exist

EMS personnel, law enforcement, and firefighters are granted liability protection when transporting overdose patients or providing emergency care in good faith, including protection from hospital expense liability

Good Samaritans who administer opioid antagonists or provide other emergency care without compensation are protected from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct