After saving someone and getting injured or incurring expenses, first seek compensation from the perpetrator and yibao; then apply for recognition as a person acting in the public interest.

39. After saving someone and getting injured or incurring expenses, first seek compensation from the perpetrator and yibao; then apply for recognition as a person acting in the public interest.

Cost: There is no direct expense. However, submitting the application requires paperwork, waiting for approval, and multiple visits — this can take weeks or even months.

In plain terms: If you get hurt while saving someone, you’re not simply out of luck. Those injured while acting in the public interest should receive treatment first, with costs covered afterward. Medical bills are the responsibility of the perpetrator; if the perpetrator flees or cannot pay, basic medical insurance steps in. Even without a perpetrator, the person you saved is legally obligated to provide reasonable compensation — this is a legal requirement, not a matter of personal generosity. At the same time, you should apply for official recognition as a person acting in the public interest so that any injuries can be treated under workers’ compensation rules.

Benefit: Article 183 of the Civil Code states: “Anyone who suffers harm while protecting another person’s civil rights is entitled to compensation from the perpetrator; if no perpetrator exists, has fled, or cannot pay, the beneficiary must provide reasonable compensation.” State Council Document No. 39 of 2012 further clarifies how to handle medical care for such individuals. Healthcare facilities must establish a fast-track system based on the principle “treat first, bill later.” Specifically, medical expenses incurred during emergency treatment are the responsibility of the perpetrator or liable party; otherwise, they are covered by basic medical insurance. In cases of death, individuals meeting criteria for martyr status are recognized as such by law; those qualifying as work-related injuries receive a one-time death benefit plus an additional special allowance equal to 40 months of their salary. Injured individuals meeting workers’ compensation criteria receive benefits under the relevant regulations; others have their disability level assessed by civil affairs bureaus to determine appropriate support. Employment-wise, such individuals are prioritized for job assistance programs and placed in public-sector roles when possible. Housing-wise, they are given priority access to subsidized housing or rental assistance.

Evidence grade: B

Sources: National People's Congress (2020). Civil Code (Article 183). <https://www.spp.gov.cn/spp/fl/202006/t20200602_463888.shtml>; General Office of the State Council of China forwarded by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China and other departments (2012). Opinions on strengthening the protection of the rights and interests of courageous personnel (Guobanfa [2012] No. 39). <https://www.gov.cn/zwgk/2012-07/26/content_2191928.htm>

Notes: This grade is assigned because national documents clearly define which benefits apply; however, exact amounts of bonuses and detailed application procedures vary by province under local regulations, and these specifics were not verified across all regions in this round. Applications are typically submitted to local police departments or dedicated civil affairs bureaus responsible for recognizing acts of public service. Successful recognition depends on solid evidence: police reports, surveillance footage, witness contact details, and medical records gathered promptly at the scene. Legal aid for such cases is also available free of charge. National standards for death benefits and disability compensation calculations are explained in Sections 15 and 16 of Chapter 19; instructions for obtaining legal aid can be found in Section 3 of Chapter 7.