The layover was not going to be too terribly long but the morning had started extremely early. A cup of hot coffee and a doughnut seemed more than appealing. She got off of the airplane with her husband and made her way towards the smell of the closest coffee shop in the terminal.
A woman was in line in front of her. She had a young boy at her side who seemed especially out of control. Perhaps the early morning did not agree with him either. They ordered, she ordered and stepped aside. While waiting, she noticed that the woman was talking to herself about "too much coffee". The barista called her name. She did not respond to him. In the moments that followed my friend realized whatever the cause, this woman was getting ready to collapse. She was able to get behind her and lower her to the ground.
Easing her down protected her from hitting her head. What followed was a very long seizure. The bystander now protectant was able to keep an eye on the woman convulsing on the ground, maintain her ability to watch her purse, the woman's purse and the whereabouts of the young boy. A crowd formed quickly and other people were able to keep him from wandering or being snatched up.
Fifteen minutes can feel long when you are in the moment of something intense. Staying calm is so imperative. Many people had outdated suggestions that were not only counterproductive but dangerous. My friend was able to thwart the bad advice. "No, we can not put a spoon in her mouth and for sure not a plastic spoon" and tell another person, "No matter how loud you talk to her, she can't respond to you right now."
Many things could have happened in this scenario but they didn't. Why? One person had the confidence to respond and to respond intelligently. The Good Samaritan Act covers bystanders legally. It is really one person's good effort to help another who would otherwise be in danger of greatly injuring them self or even dying.
Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. They are unpredictable accidents or medical issues, minor or life threatening. Hot weather, cold weather, indoors or outdoors, no place is exempt. Grandparents, parents, church nurseries, babysitters, homeschool students, restaurant workers, construction workers, every day people can all play a key role in increasing safety and improving survival rates. You can't plan for it. You wouldn't ask for it. But you can be prepared for it. To be prepared is so less traumatic than feeling helpless regardless of what role you play when the moment of need is at hand.
We offer group discounts and discounts for law enforcement officers, birth workers and homeschool students. This applies to the BLS, CPR, AED and BFA courses. Contact us to find out how to organize a class or join a class in your area!
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