Lino Lakes police share reminder of "Good Samaritan" statute

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ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. (KMSP) - After an alarming rate of heroin overdoses in Anoka County on Saturday, the Lino Lakes police department shared an important reminder on their Facebook page.

The department wants to remind people of the “Good Samaritan” statute, which is related to those who seek assistance in drug overdose related medical emergencies.

“As if this posting, there have been 6 heroin overdoses today throughout Anoka County. Some of these overdoses have been fatal. Lino Lakes Public Safety Officers carry Narcan, an opioid reversal drug, but it by no means guarantees survival. There appears to be a deadly batch of heroin currently on the streets. If you witness someone that is potentially experiencing a heroin overdose, DO NOT hesitate to call, every second counts. Minnesota has a "Good Samaritan" statute related to those who seek assistance in drug overdose related medical emergencies. The full statute is attached below. “

604A.05 GOOD SAMARITAN OVERDOSE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
Subdivision 1.Person seeking medical assistance; immunity from prosecution. A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for another person who is experiencing a drug-related overdose may not be charged or prosecuted for the possession, sharing, or use of a controlled substance under section 152.023, subdivision 2, clauses (4) and (6), 152.024, or 152.025, or possession of drug paraphernalia. A person qualifies for the immunities provided in this subdivision only if:
(1) the evidence for the charge or prosecution was obtained as a result of the person's seeking medical assistance for another person; and
(2) the person seeks medical assistance for another person who is in need of medical assistance for an immediate health or safety concern, provided that the person who seeks the medical assistance is the first person to seek the assistance, provides a name and contact information, remains on the scene until assistance arrives or is provided, and cooperates with the authorities.