Undergoing first aid training is usually mandatory when starting a job, especially if it’s a hazardous one. But despite going through training, some people might not be quick enough to react when it’s time to apply the knowledge in real life.
Luckily, this redditor was. When he saw an injured worker, he volunteered his belt as a tourniquet and didn’t hesitate to call an ambulance. However, the injured person’s boss wasn’t too happy that he did.
Knowing how to provide first aid can save lives
Image credits: Image by Freepik (not the actual photo)
This netizen was quick to react when he saw an injured worker nearby
Image credits: artursafronovvvv / Freepik (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Vast-Combination4046
Taking action immediately when a person needs help is crucial
Image credits: Image by Freepik (not the actual photo)
No person is immune to an accident or health issues. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what to do when either happens in order to minimize the damage as much as possible. One of the best ways to prepare yourself for such scenarios is to familiarize yourself with first aid practices.
Entailing some relatively simple yet extremely important techniques and procedures (that can be performed with limited equipment), first aid is usually carried out until professional medical assistance arrives. Bearing in mind that time is of the essence in most cases, being able to react quickly and provide medical assistance during that crucial time can become a matter of life and death.
In cases of cardiac arrests, for instance, a person’s chance of survival decreases by 10% for every minute that immediate CPR [Cardiopulmonary resuscitation] and use of an AED [automated external defibrillator] is delayed, the American Red Cross notes. Immediate CPR can reportedly triple the person’s chance of survival.
It’s often complete strangers that might have to rely on the help of those around them
Image credits: Image by Freepik (not the actual photo)
Be it CPR or other first aid techniques, you never know when they might be necessary to use; it can be a loved one at home, a co-worker at work, or even a stranger on the street who might find themselves relying on the help of those around them. Red Cross notes that, according to data from 2023, more than 41% of cardiac arrest patients received CPR from a bystander and close to 12% had a bystander apply AED, arguably saving their lives.
In order to help those in need of help in a public place, it might be necessary to be familiar with not only first aid practices, but signs of the so-called bystander effect, too. Referring to “the reduction in helping behavior in the presence of other people”, the bystander effect results in individuals refraining from providing assistance to those in need when there are other people around.
According to DefibsPlus, learning “how to recognise and counter the bystander effect within ourselves, we can react quickly and save a life rather than wasting precious time looking around and deliberating whether or not we are the right person to act.”
Luckily, the OP and other people in the workplace weren’t stopped by the bystander effect and took action immediately. They provided medical assistance and called an ambulance as soon as possible, which the injured worker was seemingly grateful for after he was taken care of. His boss, however, wasn’t too happy about it, but fellow netizens in the comments assured the redditor that he did the right thing.
The OP shared more details in the comments
Fellow netizens believed the man did the right thing
Some people went through similar situations themselves
