Law-enforcement officers; duty to render aid upon danger to life or limb, civil immunity.
This legislation establishes a formal legal mandate for law enforcement officers in Virginia to provide reasonable medical assistance to individuals experiencing life-threatening injuries or limb-threatening harm while in police custody or during active encounters. To encourage immediate intervention, the bill simultaneously provides these officers with qualified civil immunity, protecting them from personal liability when acting in good faith to render aid. For Arlington residents, this measure aims to standardize emergency response protocols across local departments, potentially improving survival rates during critical incidents. By clarifying the legal expectations for officers, the bill seeks to balance the necessity of immediate life-saving actions with the legal protections required to ensure personnel feel empowered to prioritize public health during high-stress interactions with the community.