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StuEFree Member
I don’t think for a minute that Edukator was suggesting that the guy shouldn’t have been helped,
indeed. Tin eared obv, given the OP’s recent experience, which I’ve not had mercifully but would find traumatic and remember lifelong , but I like to see different takes and not all drowned in dreary “rule 1” groupthink.
Also, it lead me to read the BMJ Heart editorial/commentary piece. I’d always been cynical about defibrillators, on account of just being really cynical, until I actually saw the evidence that they really do very significantly save lives and quality of life. But the editorial highlights that amateurs using them have a higher chance of success (defined as the person being discharged from hospital) than professionals.
This clearly isn’t because they’re better at it, it’s because they’re on the scene and can act without delay before the professionals get there. Similar to the excellent actions of the OP. Ah bollocks now I’m joining in…
Why post something reminding everyone that if the person does indeed survive they might have a miserable existence?
Because despite someone's best intentions there's not always a happy ending?
FWIW I would have done the same as the OP. The first aid courses I've attended have always had the same maxim, do something.
hope someone would have a go for me too.
Because despite someone’s best intentions there’s not always a happy ending?
I am 100% certain no one doubts that. The question was why bring up on this thread?
Why the need to talk about "mixed feelings" and to suggest that the OP might have done the poor guy a disservice?
It really wasn't necessary.
I'm fairly sure it wasn't me that took it in that direction.
Only really returning to give an update.
The guy "died" 5 times in hospital and suffered a minor stroke.
He had his family with him at Christmas and was released home just before new year. He's doing fine apparently.
I started the C(P)R having done lots of first aid courses to keep my tickets up to date and wondering what sort of person I'd be if I didn't help. I went into it thinking his likelihood of survival was low. Fortunately he survived and is living a life as before.
So please, if you can help that person. It might be you who needs the favour returned in the future.
That's great news! He is still alive, most likely due to your prompt actions, you deserve great credit for that. I hope that if ever necessary, I would try as hard as possible to keep going until help arrived. With all the crap going on in the world right now, it's great to read such an uplifting post. Well done 👏
Great outcome! Well done, that's gonna be a great message to your pupils.
Fantastic job.
Its not clear from your OP but were your students involved?
Well done, and a great lesson for the kids. I'm not sure as I'd have the testicular fortitude to do it, it's in our psyche not to get involved, "someone else will do it" or "what if I get it wrong?" Look at the recent "should I report my neighbour's illegal car?" thread, half the replies are variations on "mind your own business."
Suicide is legal here BTW.
This seems a weird concept. If it were illegal, what are they going to in the event of a successful attempt? Fine the deceased? Give the coffin 18 months in prison?
Fantastic update OP. My work first aid cert ran out last month, need to chase getting it redone.
Last day of term. Chemistry - no need for videos, I usually found something entertaining for them to do. However titrations! That's evil - like it.
Thanks for your prompt action. When I was a student, I was observing a lesson when the teacher collapsed - I was clueless. He turned out OK, while I was sent home the next day with what turned out to be a life threatening illness which had severe repercussions for my future career.
Well done, and a great lesson for the kids. I'm not sure as I'd have the testicular fortitude to do it, it's in our psyche not to get involved, "someone else will do it" or "what if I get it wrong?" Look at the recent "should I report my neighbour's illegal car?" thread, half the replies are variations on "mind your own business."
Would thoroughly recommend a first aid course, particularly outdoor.
Remove any doubt about your ability* helps and kinda gives you the confidence to think you will do something. You could still freeze of course but when you have a bit of knowledge you start thinking more about it. Like when i read the OP i pictured it and ran through what i would do.
100th - well done. I'm late to the thread here... Good that there was a positive outcome, its quite a thing to be involved in. Scottish Ambulance Service have a helpline number for public who participate in CPR: 0808 801 0899. Don't be afraid to call it - even with a happy outcome, and even weeks later. If your class witnessed that, or were involved it would be worth sharing that with them. Roughty toughty 15 yr old boys might laugh it off, but e.g. running to get a defib can be something that will haunt them for a while, and obviously they can't talk to their mates about it, because that would invalidate their manlihood!
My N5s also now understand concordant titre results.
I'll bet in 10 years time most of them don't remember what a titration is, but all will remember when their teacher went outside to save a guys life. And actually for most of them that's probably a more important life skill.
Definitely don't stop until you stop, my niece effectively drowned at a young age (described it later as going to sleep with her eyes open), two things that saved her - one the person who dragged her out of the water knew to carry on giving CPR despite no signs of life & two the paramedic knew to not waste time driving to the nearest hospital but to go straight to better equipped hospital.
No one can know the likely outcome for any age, so yes please keep keeping on & well done OP.
Good news. Thanks for the update. (And good work!)
Not all heroes wear capes.
👍 👍 Double thumbs up emogi for 100th. Good work and valuable life long lesson for the pupils.
My uncle was in military police, many years ago he jumped into a Manchester canal and dragged a young drowning girl out, gave CPR whilst someone called ambulance. Quietly wandered off when paramedics took over but someone must have taken his details though because the now grown woman with her own children traced him and they met up a year or so ago.
He also served on Royal Yatch Britannia and saved a fitter/mechanic who'd got tangled in a propshaft. Framed letter from the Queen in their house.
He's still the most racist person I've ever known so yin&yang in effect.
Well done OP, a tough situation to deal with.
It does raise some interesting questions about our views on death and awareness of DNR personal wishes.
Definitely don't stop until you stop, my niece effectively drowned at a young age (described it later as going to sleep with her eyes open), two things that saved her - one the person who dragged her out of the water knew to carry on giving CPR despite no signs of life & two the paramedic knew to not waste time driving to the nearest hospital but to go straight to better equipped hospital.
Absolutely, particularly when dealing with water related stuff, as cold water immersion can slow down the metabolism and give you longer to revive the patient. You ain't dead until you're warm and dead is the adage, I believe.
Either way, don't stop until someone more qualified tells you to stop. Well done OP, saving a life should be a massive source of pride and satisfaction to you, as well as the greatest gift to that person. Out of hospital survival from these events is pretty low, so it was definitely your intervention that made the difference.
Are you alright onehundredthidiot? I know it's been a while, but I guess that sort of stressful situation can linger in your head for a long time.
He's still the most racist person I've ever known so yin&yang in effect.
I know it shouldn't , but this punchline did make me lol. 🤣
No possible reason not to try it. As suggested up thread if someone is out walking about they are probably not at death's door where recovery will mean 18 months of poor quality life.
A neighbour aged 63 collapsed while out jogging. If it had been me I would be dead because I run off road where there would not have been any passers by. His was on a main road outside a golf clubhouse with a defib machine. After a heart operation he made a good recovery and has a fully normal life.
Congrats to OP. Life saved.
Just completed my 2-day outdoor first aid and as mentioned, you aren't dead until you are warm and dead!
This feels relevant to this thread: