Belmont Reminds Residents of Good Samaritan Law

BELMONT, MA — November is Substance Misuse Awareness month and Belmont wants residents to understand the laws surrounding drugs and alcohol and overdoses to help keep everyone safe. In particular, the town released an informational message about how the Good Samaritan law applies to overdoses and reporting the overdose.

The Massachusetts 9-1-1 Good Samaritan Law was passed in 2012 in order to encourage people to call 9-1-1 during an overdose emergency. The Law protects people who call 9-1-1 during an overdose from being charged with possession of a controlled substance.

The Massachusetts Good Samaritan Law encourages people to seek emergency medical assistance for people in distress in order to reduce the chance of harm or death. Since the lives of those who overdose on opioids rely on the help of bystanders, the protections afforded by the law have significant potential to help reduce the impact of the opioid epidemic.

The Massachusetts Good Samaritan Law protects victims and those who call 9-1-1 for help from charge, prosecution, and conviction for possession or use of controlled substances. The Law, Chapter 94C, Section 34A: “Immunity from prosecution under Secs. 34 or 35 for persons seeking medical assistance for self or other experiencing a drug-related overdose” can be found on the Massachusetts Legislature General Laws website.

Know the Signs of Overdose

Signs of an opioid overdose may include:
 Breathing that is slow and shallow — or no breathing at all
 Very sleepy or unconscious and not responding to your voice or touch
 Blue or grayish skin color, with dark lips and fingernails
 Snoring or gurgling sounds

If there are symptoms of an overdose:
 Tap, shake, and shout at the person to get a response
 If there is still no response, rub knuckles on the breast bone
 If no or little response, call 9-1-1