Rescue Doctrine

The principle that one who has, through her NEGLIGENCE, endangered the safety of another can be held liable for injuries sustained by a third person who attempts to save the imperiled person from injury.

This doctrine is based on the idea that danger invites rescue. It also provides that one who sees a person in imminent and serious peril as the result of the negligence of another cannot be charged with contributory negligence, as a MATTER OF LAW, in risking his own life or serious injury in attempting a rescue, provided the attempt is not recklessly made.