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wa8yxm wrote:
It is not that hard to do folks. and the benefits are... Fantastic.

^^Bears Repeating^^

Two additional comments
1: Good samaratian laws: Vary from location to location... I'm not that familure with laws save in one state and ... Well. even there it can get confusing so I can say no more because I'm not expert in that area.

Old-Biscuit said "Get real training"

I will 2nd that. I've had the Red Cross course, Michigan State POlice course (multiple times) and an independent course once or twice since retiring.

(I was a dispatcher by the way not a trooper).

I've only participated in CPR twice. once successful (the time I did the 9-1-1 bit) and once.. Well the victim was already dead beyond recovery.

I"ve had troopers bring people back, ANd I told the story of Sue and the Baby turning Blue. (I like the dispatcher who took that call will always defer to Sue or the other EMT on my shift if I can..I mean they outrank me CPR wise).

It is not that hard to do folks. and the benefits are... Fantastic.

I really like the idea of teaching it in schools :C

"911 speedial" MOST cell phones already have it. Press and hold "9" for emergency services.

Sounds like we have a number of folks who take our responsibilities for our fellow man seriously. Thank you all!

Even if the certification is expiered that does not mean that you are no longer capable or rendering life saving help when needed, another good training is the Heimglich ( hope the spelling is right) manouver to help a person that is chocking on food or a kid with a toy stuck in the troat, worst thing to do is slap them on the back, that only helps to lodge the food or toy deeper in the air passage.

navegator

If you have a favorite camp ground, do you know how close the Fire Department is to the campground?
Do you know where the AED (automated external defibrillator) is located?

Alas due to logistics (the class was in Michigan in Feb, not the best time for me in a motor home) MY CPR cert is expired.. And though I have not been called upon to do the physical portion. I have done the "Activeate the Emergency Respionse System" part a few times. both as an observer at the scene, and as the guy on the other end of the 9-1-1 phone call.

I have talked to people who... Well I'm the one who dialed 9-1-1 on his arrest, after he recovered, I've talked to others where I did not make the call bue a co-worker did. I have listened in, and coverd for, a co-worker when another co-worker stood up aqnd hollered THE BABY'S TURNING BLUE!!!" Sue was an EMT instructor and she took over the call. i took over her radio. I can tell you that baby crying was the sweetest sound I have ever heard.

YES. I do believe in CPR. I have a sister who has been the reipient and last I knew.. She was still representing clients (She is a lawyer).

I highly recommend everyone get training. I think they shoudl offer it in school.

Side note. NOT heart issues but during one of my training sessions the instructor faked qa collapse.. into my arms. I caught him and lowered him gently.. A bit later in Church we are prayng the lord's prayer, The Choir (I sing base/barratone) is standing side by side holding hands. Suddenly the woman to my left changed her grip.. I won't tell you what i was thinking as I dropped hands with the woman on the other side (My wife) and played catch once again, But I caughte her and got her safely to a seat.. (Postural Hypotension, (IF shew stands too quickly.. She can pass out) she recovered soon as she sat down. I have a bit of training beyond CPR. Sadly. I got most of it.. The hard way (I too have that problem, just not as bad as she).

I have been first on the scene more than my share of times, as a non-EMT or other designated first responder. But I seem to be the first one there whenever there is a fatality, so nobody really wants me to show up first. Nevertheless, CPR training and 911 on speed dial. You never know when you'll have a chance to save somebody's life. Should the opportunity fall to you, don't muff it through ignorance.

DiskDoktr, your post is spot on.

As a retired firefighter/EMT, i've seen the same thing when off duty.
I've rescued 3 people from drowning, while people stood around just watching.

Part is that a lot of the public just freeze in emergency situations. Others are afraid of taking a leadership role.
Others don't have the training to feel confident to act.

I agree that taking CPR/1st Aid classes should be taken.
CPR has changed a lot since it is now compressions only, taking out the mouth to mouth respirations that many were fearful of.

Thank you for bringing up this subject. We often forget that WE are the first line of rescue and help. The better prepared you are, the better chance you can help save someone. :C

Some general thoughts and story.

"I thought somebody would do something"

Words that cause deaths.

Do something and stay until relieved by someone with more knowledge takes over. Even then, stay until medical services arrive, they may have questions for you and then police/ranger later for a description of the incident.

It's a team effort.

Drownings/water rescues are some of the worst I've known (for people standing around). Entire park full of people looking, zombie walking towards the scene, nobody gets wet.

I've come from behind more than once to be first and second to reach the victim. Know when to take charge and direct people. I have yet to meet anyone who wasn't willing to do exactly what you tell them to do- most people are so afraid of getting in the way that they won't do anything unless asked.

One year I made two serious water rescues while camping. One went by Life Flight. The other went down the 3rd time and wasn't coming up on his own. Old man and a 13yr old boy. (Latter was a double rescue, young girl tried to get him before the river brought them around the corner and my buddy got her)

Even if you are not physically capable of something like a water rescue, keep eye contact and POINT to victims. Make some noise, draw attention.

In the first situation I had almost 300 yds to cover before I knew what was going on. Heard a holler and people zombie walking towards the water. It's like a wake in the water, go where it flows to find the trouble.

Step 1: Discern the problem
Step 2: Alert others (bystanders, 911, whatever)
Step 3: Decide how to help
Step 4: Get involved (time to be assertive not shy. Lives depend on you)

"What do you need?" if someone else is on point.
"Do this...Do it now" if you are on point.
"Who is calling 911?" One person, give them the update they can relay

Send someone to appropriate place to flag down and guide in rescue units. Nothing worse than trying to respond and can't find the right place :(

CPR? Trained is better, but if no one trained is available, do what you've seen or heard. Doing nothing guarantees they die. At least something gives a chance they didn't have before ;)

Any training is good training. See a chance to get some, do it! ;)

Good Samaritan laws are in place in some form in every state to protect well meaning citizens. There are variations from state to state though. Vermont's Good Samaritan law for instance, is unique in that it REQUIRES citizens to render aid, while the other state laws are intended only to protect those that CHOOSE to render aid.

Do All States Have "Good Samaritan" Laws?