1,248. Touching a Goseis

194:2 Even though we are not allowed to touch a goseis (dying person), if a fire breaks out, he may not be left in the building. Not only do we take him out, saving him takes priority over saving holy books.

194:3 A person standing by the goseis should watch him to ensure that he doesn't stick any of his limbs outside the bed. We see this from our forefather Jacob, about whom it says, "he gathered his feet into the bed" (Genesis 49:33). Therefore, they should put chairs next to the bed so that he can't stick an arm or a leg out. However, if they neglected to do this and the patient did stick a limb out of bed, we are not permitted to touch him in order to return it.