Abstract
<jats:p>Background. The article examines the criminal law, procedural, and forensic medical aspects of providing first aid by persons who have the right to do so or who are legally obliged to provide it under various circumstances. It provides a legal assessment of the sequence of measures performed and the medical consequences associated with the provision of aid. Main Contents. The conducted analysis of the practice and theory of legal thought has shown that for a citizen who does not possess specialized knowledge in the field of jurisprudence, when performing actions connected with procedures of providing assistance, it is difficult at the scene of an incident to give a clear answer as to where the line lies between a civic act and a legal duty, between a mistake and criminal inaction. Conclusions. The authors analyze the possibility of applying legal norms to variable situations and conditions in which first aid is provided. Furthermore, the legal consequences of failing to provide first aid or providing it improperly are examined.</jats:p>