Pre-emptive life-saving on Shabbat

Hi,

On Shabbat, one who is not currently in danger, but who can reasonably expect he will be in danger later on Shabbat, may not act now to prevent that danger. The exception to this is where one might not actually be able to save himself once he is in the dangerous situation.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:69)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Turning down the air conditioner on Shabbat

Hi,

If one's air conditioner is making one's home unbearably cold on Shabbat, one may have a non-Jew turn it off. This is because one is not expected to leave his home [as opposed to a synagogue], and because all are considered 'ill' when it comes to cold temperatures.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:42)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Accompanying a woman in labor to the hospital

Hi,

A woman's husband or mother may accompany her to the hospital in a vehicle on Shabbat when she is in labor, if she requests it and she would be panicked without that person present. Although that person is not providing medical treatment, we are concerned that the panic might make her medical situation worse.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 1:132)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Taking call on Shabbat

Hi,

The issue of taking call on Shabbat is rather complex, with many views; you may wish to listen to my shiur on the topic here.

Rav Moshe Feinstein ruled that a physician who knows before Shabbat that he will be needed to save lives on Shabbat is required to arrange a place to stay in the hospital, or nearby, for Shabbat.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 1:131)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Use of a thermometer on Shabbos

Hi,

One may use a mercury thermometer to gauge the temperature of an ill person on Shabbos, even where it is known that the patient is not dangerously ill.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 1:128)

Have a great day,
Mordechai