It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out. What is needed is more facts, including the official "policy," if it actually exists. We are all reacting to the nurses perception of that policy, after all.

It is worth bearing in mind that had CPR been administered, the chances are that the lady would have expired, anyway. Under ideal circumstances, the recovery rate is around 30% or thereabouts. Usually the time lapse before initiation of CPR is quite critical. As long as the responder adheres to their training protocols, it is hard to see where negligence could be invoked.

Not too long ago, I worked in the local County Assessor's Office and volunteered to respond to any medical emergencies that occurred in our office, which included a large number of citizens seeking information concerning the assessments of their property. I trained on company time for CPR. It is a much better policy to keep taxpayers alive. After all, dead bodies in the hallways constitute a tripping hazard....