TL;DR
In an emergency, seconds count. Don’t be afraid to help. Giving aid doesn’t mean you need to perform CPR or render First Aid. Even calling 911 and activating EMS can make the difference between life and death. Good Samaritan Laws will protect you as long as you don’t go beyond your level of training. Prepare for an emergency by taking a free First Aid & CPR Course. Completing a course will help build the confidence you need.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Make a Difference
Imagine walking through a grocery store, and someone suddenly collapses. Or seeing an auto accident right after it happens. Most people think they would be willing to jump right in and help. But in reality, many people act differently when faced with an emergency.
Many bystanders hesitate. They could be unsure of what to do or afraid they’ll make the situation worse. Others may worry about being sued if they make a mistake. These are all valid concerns, but they can also prevent people from providing assistance that could save a life.
The truth is that in most emergencies, doing something is usually better than doing nothing. Seemingly simple actions like calling 911 or retrieving an AED can make the difference between life and death.
Why Some People Freeze During an Emergency
Freezing is one of the most common reactions to a dangerous situation or emergency. Similar to how some people react with the “fight-or-flight” response to danger. Other people may freeze like a deer in the headlights.
Several factors contribute to the “freeze” response:
Fear of Making a Mistake
Many people worry they’ll make a mistake and injure the victim or make the emergency worse. They think that if they aren’t medical professionals, they shouldn’t get involved.
In reality, first aid training and CPR education are designed to help ordinary people respond effectively until professional help arrives. Emergency dispatchers can also offer guidance on what to do while waiting for EMS.
The Bystander Effect
This is when many people witness an emergency, but they all assume someone else will step up and help. Psychologists call this the bystander effect.
Panic
Emergencies happen quickly. There is a big difference between seeing someone bleed on TV and dealing with it in person. Loud noises, emotional family members, or chaos can be overwhelming and make it difficult to think clearly. Training helps. But even trained professionals can be overwhelmed by an emergency situation.
Fear of Being Sued
A very common concern is the fear of legal consequences. We live in a very litigious society. Lawsuits are very common. You can be sued, but fortunately, Good Samaritan laws exist and will protect you in almost every situation. Even if you are not sued, you could still be called as a witness.
Other Factors
Situations like a fire, a busy highway, or even a subway accident could make rendering aid dangerous for you. If the scene is not safe, be sure to carefully consider any concerns for your own safety before rendering aid to others. Sometimes, having a child or pet with you will prevent you from providing aid.
Why Should I Get Involved?
If someone is experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, or choking, waiting for EMS without taking action could be the difference between life and death.
Consider these examples:
- Immediate CPR and defibrillation within 3-5 minutes gives a cardiac arrest victim the best chance of survival.
- Controlling severe bleeding can prevent death before EMS arrives.
- Helping a choking victim is easy and can prevent permanent injury or death.
Even if you don’t know advanced first aid, you can still:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
- Retrieve an AED if one is available.
- Keep the scene safe.
- Comfort the victim until EMS arrives.
- Direct emergency responders to the patient.
In an emergency, seconds count. Even minimal assistance can help save a life.
What If You Make a Mistake?
This is the most common reason people hesitate to provide assistance.
Emergency responders understand that bystanders who provide aid are doing their best under stressful conditions.
As long as you act in good faith, stay within your abilities, and try to help. You should not feel bad or be blamed for a bad outcome.
The greatest risk is doing nothing.
For example:
- A person without a pulse is clinically dead. Even if chest compressions break a rib or exacerbate a separate traumatic injury, CPR takes precedence. By providing CPR you can prevent the onset of biological death. They will not survive cardiac arrest without CPR.
- A choking victim who cannot breathe needs immediate assistance. The victim may not survive the wait for EMS to arrive.
- Severe bleeding requires immediate action. A victim who bleeds out before EMS arrives has little to no chance of survival.
The goal is to do something.
Understanding Good Samaritan Laws
Good Samaritan laws are designed to encourage people to assist others during emergencies without fear of legal liability.
Although the details vary by state, these laws generally protect individuals who:
- Act voluntarily.
- Do not expect payment.
- Help during a genuine emergency.
- Provide reasonable care.
- Act in good faith.
- Do not go beyond your level of training.
These laws recognize that most bystanders are simply trying to save someone’s life before EMS arrives.
Good Samaritan laws generally do not protect actions that are intentionally harmful, reckless, or far beyond what a reasonable person would do.
Because laws differ by jurisdiction, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your state’s specific Good Samaritan protections.
Stay Within Your Level of Training
This can be a bit confusing. You do not need to be formally trained to perform CPR, use an AED, or provide basic First Aid. There are many instances where someone was able to save a life based on something they’ve seen on TV. One particular instance was where a school bus driver suffered a heart attack, and a middle school student performed CPR.
If you are a “lay-rescuer” (non-professional), you can provide most types of life-saving aid.
Examples of what you should not do unless you are given specific permission from a doctor or the 911 emergency dispatcher:
- Stitch wounds
- Perform a tracheotomy
- Any surgical procedure
- Give an injection
- Provide any medication
First Aid & CPR Training Builds Confidence
Taking a First Aid and CPR Certification course is the best way to prepare for an unexpected emergency. Taking these courses will teach you the necessary skills and help build the confidence to respond.
People who have completed First Aid and CPR certification training are significantly more likely to:
- Recognize emergencies.
- Stay calm under pressure.
- Begin CPR promptly.
- Use an AED.
- Control severe bleeding.
- Relieve airway obstructions.
- Activate EMS.
Confidence comes from practice. The more familiar you are with emergency procedures, the better prepared you will be to respond to an emergency.
Small Actions Can Save Lives
You don’t need to be a doctor, nurse, or paramedic to help save a life.
- Call 911 and activate EMS.
- Starting CPR.
- Using an AED.
- Stopping severe bleeding.
- Remove an airway obstruction for someone who is choking.
- Keeping a victim calm until help arrives.
These are things that ordinary people do every day, and they help save countless lives. The most important decision is often the simplest one: Choose to help.
Final Thoughts
Feeling nervous during an emergency is normal. Nearly everyone does.
Do what you can and what you are comfortable with. If you decide to help, Good Samaritan laws will protect you.
Even if all you do is call 911 and activate the EMS system, it’s an essential step to getting the victim the help that they need.
The best way to prepare yourself for an emergency is to take First Aid and CPR training. You can take our First Aid and CPR Course for free.