Emergency Law is a handbook for those involved in planning for and responding to emergencies. It is a clear and concise account of the law that applies in a civil emergency, as well as the law relevant to the Australian emergency services. It describes the rights and obligations of those who provide emergency care to the sick or injured, be they professionals, trained volunteers, neighbours, or strangers who stop to help.

Michael Eburn also sets out the law that applies when emergency rescue involves interference with property, and he describes the rights of drivers of emergency vehicles. He also covers the following new developments:

• Emergencies Act 2004 (ACT) which amalgamates the ACT's emergency services;
• Disaster Management Act 2003 (Qld) which replaces the State Counter Disaster Organisation Act; and
• Emergency Management Act 2004 (SA) which commenced 25 November 2004.

This updated edition takes into account significant changes to the law that will impact upon volunteers and the members of emergency services. Good Samaritan legislation has been introduced into every Australian state except Tasmania, as have tort law reforms to limit the liability of volunteers and community organizations. Also, all new national road rules impact on the emergency services as well as good Samaritans, and these are discussed in detail. There is also an extended discussion on disaster planning and the role of the Commonwealth in responding to civil emergencies.

Table of Contents

List of abbreviations
Table of Cases
Table of Statutes

CHAPTER 1: Legal principles
CHAPTER 2: First aid / prehospital care
CHAPTER 3: Fire fighting and rescue
CHAPTER 4: Ambulance, fire and emergency services
CHAPTER 5: Disaster planning and response
CHAPTER 6: Liability of emergency services
CHAPTER 7: Driving emergency vehicles
CHAPTER 8: Compensation for rescuers
CHAPTER 9: Conclusion

Appendix: Ready Reference Powers of Emergency Officers
Index

"Emergency Law is an essential text for anyone entering the emergency services, be they paid or volunteer, and for students or even lawyers as a useful reference. The presentation is straightforward and easy to follow."

Garry Mann, Law Institute (Victoria) Journal, Vol 79.10, October 2005

Reviews of the first edition

"... [a] reference and a guide to read from cover to cover. As a volunteer with the State Emergency Service, an employee of St John Ambulance and also a first aider, I found the book to be an interesting and informative read. ... If you are a volunteer, manager of volunteers, or person looking for an introduction into this field, I recommend that you read "Emergency Law." It is an easy yet comprehensive read and summarises the obligations, powers, and legal groundings for these, for volunteers in a straightforward manner,

-- Brett Drummond, Connexion (Volunteer Australia) June 2002