Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
30 First Responders Share Do’s And Don’ts In Dangerous Situations That Might Save Your Life
A first responder is a specifically trained person who usually arrives at the scene of an emergency or crisis before anyone else.
These folks include (but are not limited to) police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, since response times are often seen as a very important aspect of all three fields (law enforcement, fire suppression, and emergency medical services (EMS)). That's because these types of emergencies can escalate rapidly if nobody is able to do something to stop them. Sometimes, however, even a regular passer-by could help.
Recently, Reddit user u/PeachMilkshake2319 made a post on the platform, asking first responders to share some information about what you should and should not do in dangerous situations, and the advice they've received sound really valuable.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Get off your damn cell phone when you drive.
Jules 2 years ago
Don't know what it's like elsewhere but in the UK looking at your phone while driving is rife. Every other driver appears to be checking their phone and it's ridiculously dangerous. There's an absolute legend on YouTube called cycling Mikey who has sent video footage to the London police force of hundreds of drivers doing this in the capital and most have been prosecuted. NOTHING can be so urgent that it's worth risking your life and that of others so PUT THE SODDING PHONE DOWN!!!!
Gin 2 years ago
I love Cycling Mikey - I follow him on Twitter! Completely agree with you - PUT THE SODDING PHONE DOWN.
Load More Replies...
Shannon Hawks 2 years ago (edited)
Amen, this is why gen x and older could ride bikes to a friend's house , cos we didn't have idiot's with their face stuck in a cell phone runningeverything over, your not that f*****g important. put it down
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
Just took a road trip from Texas to Virginia and back. Distracted driving is increasing exponentially. SCARY.
tee-lena 2 years ago
Try being in a wheelchair. I don't have enough fingers to count how many times I've almost been hit this month alone!
Load More Replies...
UpQuarkDownQuark 2 years ago
I was driving behind someone on a goddamn FaceTime call the other day.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
My cell never leaves my purse when I'm driving. Unless I'm using it for directions, and then it's secured in a holder so I don't have to reach for it. I'm curious about the statistics for phone related accidents vs drunk driving accidents.
Jill Bussey 2 years ago
Make it universally illegal to be on anything other than hands-free whilst driving.
Jaya 2 years ago
And give it high punishments, and enforce it regularly. As far as I'm concerned, getting a fine is not enough, you're playing russian roulette with other people's lives, people should go to jail for a couple of days.
Load More Replies...
Dr. Skulhamr (Skulhamr) 2 years ago
Some of my friends tell me that everyone should stay off cell phones while driving. Trouble is, almost to a person, they don't believe this includes THEM. Why? Because "they're good at multi-tasking", they'll tell you. No, you're not.
David Paterson 2 years ago
My cell phone is my map. Don't drive and read a street directory at the same time.
XenoMurph 2 years ago
Yes as long as its on a stand, and you programme it before hand, or by voice
Load More Replies...We got in touch with u/PeachMilkshake2319 and the Redditor agreed to talk to us about their post.
"I was in a meeting about active shooter training in my office when I thought, 'Why not just ask all first responders what to do in dangerous situations?' It would give me so much more insight!" they told Bored Panda about the initial inspiration for starting the discussion.
"After I got off of work that day, I posted that question before driving home."
RELATED:
#2
I just read something that if you're lost and your phone is about to die, change your voicemail to give an approximate location of where you are.
GoGoPDX 2 years ago
It isn't. This is incorrect information. You have to have service to change your VM. So not waste valuable battery on this. Call 911! https://www.iflscience.com/fact-check-can-you-change-your-voicemail-if-lost-in-the-wilderness-with-no-cell-service-61455
Load More Replies...
GoGoPDX 2 years ago
DO NOT DO THIS! This advice is wrong, and can be dangerous. It takes cell service to be able to change your voicemail. Don't waste valuable battery on this, call 911 and stay one place. https://www.iflscience.com/fact-check-can-you-change-your-voicemail-if-lost-in-the-wilderness-with-no-cell-service-61455
Kristal 2 years ago
Why not just call emergency services (like 911) instead? Same amount of battery used but you know someone knows where you are and need help. This doesn't sound like good advice.
Malfar 2 years ago
Because the voicemail will still be active even after the phone eventually dies?
Load More Replies...
Paul Pienkowski 2 years ago
Don't you need connection to do this? If you have a connection, you can dial emergency services.
Lama 2 years ago (edited)
I was thinking the same thing.. doesn't make sense in my head.
Load More Replies...
Leanne Hailes 2 years ago (edited)
If I could make a call it would be to 911. I'd also make sure my cell location was turned on.
#3
Ex-EMT here. We’re talking 13 years ago.
It’s not a great idea to put the pedal down as soon as the traffic light turns green. Wait a couple extra seconds. That first 2-3 seconds when the light turns green is a GREAT time to get nailed by some idiot blowing through a red light.
Tams21 2 years ago
What makes it worse is that those people are often speeding, perhaps thinking that if it hasn't been red for too long they won't get into as much trouble. Wait a couple seconds AND look, particularly when you're on a bike. It's literally saved my life a couple of times.
Taibhse Sealgair 2 years ago (edited)
I would've gotten t-boned by one of those port-a-john emptying trucks one time had I not looked both ways before going. Dude was flying and prolly wasn't trying to run the light, just no way he could've stopped. Needless to say now I look _every_ time.
Load More Replies...
Nick 2 years ago
Always look both ways. It doesn't matter of you have the right of way. You may be a good driver, but not everyone else is.
Teresa Spanics 2 years ago
I did that when I was driving my 1985 Dodge Omni. I had to sell it when I moved as it would cost a lot to insure where I am. I still do that when I am walking.
Load More Replies... 
Dreaming Spirit 2 years ago (edited)
In my city, some intersections have green light for drivers to turn right or left, and at the same time there is green light for pedestrians on these roads. I hate these with all my heart both when I'm behind the wheel and when I'm crossing the street (especially the left)
Load More Replies...
BluEyedSeoulite 2 years ago
No delays in Korea. Really dangerous for crosswalks
Load More Replies...
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Isn't this one of the first things they teach you during a driving class...? To, you know... CHECK the intersection before going forth?
Jackson 2 years ago
It is also a good idea to check your mirror before stopping on a yellow light. I was driving to work on a motorcycle when the car in front of me stopped for a light that had been yellow for a few seconds. The person behind me sped up. I managed to put the bike between the car in front and the median. The car in front of me was knocked into traffic that was just starting. The idiot that hit him wanted the cop to charge the guy who stopped because "we could have had 2 or 3 cars through before we had to stop."
Pete from Cali. USA 2 years ago
I used to time it so I would enter the intersection as soon as the light was green. I stopped doing that because I realized so many ppl run their reds. I've even noticed times when I would have been hit if I had stepped on it as soon as light turned green because of the red light runners. If you're still going as soon as the light turns green, check out Wham Baam on youtube
Mrs. EW 2 years ago
I have a manual transmission, that I leave in neutral while at a red light. It’s amazing how many people can’t wait the two seconds it takes me to put my car in gear, either blowing their horn or assuming I’m letting them cut to turn in front of me from the opposite direction. Blows my mind.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
Me and my daughter nearly got run over by a speeder who ran a red light. We did look both ways. A lot impatient drivers really don't like it when others are checking for clearance. They just want you to move it. Pay no mind to the honkers. Safety first.
DarkViolet 2 years ago
This is especially important for pedestrians. Sometimes you have to be part 'roo to avoid painting the asphalt.
The thread quickly took off and now it has over 9.3K upvotes and 2.2K comments.
"A common answer I got was to learn how to do CPR and don't try to be the tough guy," u/PeachMilkshake2319 said. "[Another one was simply] run. Run like your butt is on fire. If you can help, do it but it is always better to just run."
#4
If you are dealing with someone who has been stabbed or impaled and the item is still inside the body, do not pull it out.
Christos Arvanitis 2 years ago
This happens to me all the time! And then they bleed out. It's terrible. It'll probably happen again this afternoon and I hope to remember...
Hugh Cookson 2 years ago (edited)
Ex Chef here - one of my staff many years ago managed to somehow impale himself through his forearm with a filleting knife, too long a story to go into here. Upshot is, the ambulance took an hour to get there (it was quite a remote place), we'd left the knife in despite his complaints, as well as putting cold towels and ice compresses on the wound. I found out later that had it not been for the quick thinking of my kitchen porter who stopped the boy removing the knife, he would have been dead in 10 minutes as he'd sliced through his Brachial artery ...... lucky chap, still going today, 35 years on ...
GoGoPDX 2 years ago (edited)
I have seen a couple patients die from having a knife and other objects pulled out by themselves or whoever was there, when if it was left in place, they would have lived. This is really important to know. DO NOT PULL ANY Impaled OBJECT OUT. It could be the only thing preventing the person from bleeding out. Bandage around the area, and get to a hospital! Another word of advice, never base your first aid off of TV or movies. (TV and movies are horribly inaccurate with medical stuff, and a lot of times people use TV and movies as their reference for first aid, and it can cause way more problems and damage to a person than help. It really is an issue we run into often. But that is a discussion for another time.
Hugh Cookson 2 years ago
Also, never, ever try to remove the helmet of a motorcycle accident victim .... I have two very old friends who have been disabled for over 30 years because well meaning passers by removed their helmets and managed to damage their spines in the process - 1 of them was definitely spinally damaged at the time but the other, by all medical accounts, would have probably still had the use of his arms and legs had the good samaritan left him in situ whilst the ambulance was on its way ....
Load More Replies...
DC 2 years ago
This! I've seen people attempt to pull out things that went straight through the thorax, although the damaged person was conscious and not bleeding heavily outside. I've seen one of those damaged persons knock out the dude trying to pull a bar out of him regardless of all the above.
Michelle C 2 years ago
For those who are curious: leaving the item in the person’s body may actually prevent that person from bleeding out enough for them to die from blood loss. Let the professionals handle it when you take that person to the nearest hospital!
Violet1854 2 years ago
Blame those stupid movies that show the great suffering and perseverance of the hero 🙄
#5
When you call an emergency number, the first words out of your mouth should be your location/address. That way, if you get cut off they at least know where to look for you.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Yes. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Take a mental note of street and cross street names in town, mile markers if you’re on a highway, and distinct landmarks if you’re on a backroad.
Load More Replies... Cee Grant 2 years ago
A lot of dispatch centers record your call as soon as you're connected, i.e. even before the dispatcher picks it up. Use that time to state your location or situation, then repeat it when you're talking to a real person. Something might happen that prevents you from talking to the dispatcher.
Mere Cat 2 years ago
This is good advise! (I'm not aware of how common it is to record the calls like that, but it makes sense and should be done everywhere, worth trying!)
Load More Replies...
G R 2 years ago
I wish this was standard everywhere. Where I am, you get asked a million questions first and if you try to interrupt to tell them your location they snap at you and threaten to hang up.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
That doesn't sound professional. Perhaps bad training or just a bad operator.
Load More Replies...
Alexia 2 years ago
Emergency services in my country are pretty dumb here. They want to know your name and surname (sometimes you need to spell it) and only after that they ask about the actual emergency. I talked to the police once to report a case of a missing person. They asked soooo many questions about myself, that I lost it eventually: "You do understand that I am not the missing person, right?"
Jihana 2 years ago
Happened to me, called the ambulance because my father had an emergency. Told them the location and then we were disconnected. Apparently they can't call back, who knew? While I was still contemplating what to do they knocked on the door.
Irishwoman abroad 2 years ago
If you'd seen that film with Halle Berry in it, you'd know why - they can't call you because they could be giving your location away to an intruder or someone out to hurt you.
Load More Replies...
ƒιѕн 2 years ago (edited)
what3words, anywhere in the world is a 3x3 meter grid consisting of 3 words to tell anyone so they can find you. Go to https://what3words.com and enter these thre words in search bar -> hammer pounds eager , That is the intersection of W 87th and Metcalf Ave in Overland Park KS. If you have the app and 911 uses it also, you can tell them the 3 words where you are in case you have no idea or are lost somewhere.
Mark Howell 2 years ago
In the UK it used to be 'Police, Fire or Ambulance'. F**k that just send help
Aga 2 years ago
and right after that, if ambulance, is "is patient breathing?"
Load More Replies...
RavenTheCat 2 years ago
I remember accidentally contact Emergency services when my phone glitched out. It somehow ended up in a voice mode where i had to listen to everything and couldn't click without the thing being highlighted. hard to explain. I felt awful when i finally called back 30 minutes later explaining it was a misclick and apologizing that my phone was acting up
Bill Kubeck 2 years ago
Yes. My 911 calls have all asked my location first, and the what my emergency was.
Most people have a good opinion about first responders. This was true even amid the pandemic when there was so much uncertainty.
For example, according to a report published by public safety communications company Rave Mobile Safety, during that time, there was a lack of public trust in information shared by local government officials, but a relatively high level of trust in first responders, with 62% of the 1,000 surveyed Americans saying they completely trust the information they receive from firefighters and 59% saying they completely trust information from EMTs and paramedics.
#6
If everyone in a room/vehicle/building is unresponsive, DO NOT ENTER FOR ANY REASON. If you see someone collapse after entering a confined space, DO NOT ENTER FOR ANY REASON. If you see a person collapsed near a potential chemical spill, DO NOT ENTER FOR ANY REASON. Overall, if it killed them, it will kill you.
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
DON'T touch someone lying on a downed electrical cable or in the water near one. Use something non-conductive to try to get them away from it.
Darth_Borah 2 years ago
FYI, tree branches and anything wood are conductive. Do not grab a tree branch thinking you'll save your friend.
Load More Replies...
Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
Having dealt with confined space entry and exit I can tell you that there’s no way that you can haul someone out whilst holding your breath. Heroes die or are reduced to unconscious bodies just as quickly as the first victim. Unless you are trained and equipped with the appropriate kit and monitoring equipment then making the 999 / 911 / 112 call is the best thing you can do. We were entering the sewer system and confined spaces within both sewage works and chemical plants. We walked away from several jobs because the meter beeped once. No job is so important that we would put a man in harms way. We could always come back later or the next day once we had aired a chamber.
PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago
And don't even get us started on the wonders of Superheated Steam....... omfg
Load More Replies...
Cecilie Hammershøy 2 years ago
In my area a man, wife and adult son died because one felt in a manure drain. The first one died almost immediately. The next one tried to safe the person and felt in too....died The next tried to safe the other two and also felt in.....died too.
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Yeeah... don' t do the 'horror movie person-with-no-sense-of-self-preservation' thing.
Bill Kubeck 2 years ago
Yes. Don't become a statistic by failing at being a hero. Call 911 (or 999 in the UK) to inform authorities of the danger.
Madster 2 years ago
I was trained to check for any potential dangers then approach with caution if you think it is safe.
GoGoPDX 2 years ago
Well, I would say everyone being unconscious in a room would not be considered safe to enter.
Load More Replies...
StrangeOne 2 years ago
Also, just because a toxic chemical says "low fumes" or "odorless" doesn't make the air safe to breath. They still need to be in a well-ventilated area and PPE still needs to be worn while being in the vicinity. This includes using epoxy resin and paint thinners for oil painting.
The Veil of Fire 2 years ago
Assess why they are unresponsive. Any a time I had to enter my senior parents room. The did not respond to my voice. So I stood their watching wiring for them the breath, move, or make sound. Many times this was my day. Had a carbon detector in their room and a baby monitor. Ya gotta do what you gotta do. But stay safe....you never know.
#7
Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
llllPsychoCircus replied:Proper weapons handling according to the Marine Corps
Rule 1: Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
Rule 2: Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Rule 3: Keep your finger straight and off the trigger, until you are ready to fire.
Rule 4: Keep the weapon on safe, until you intend to fire
Rule 5: Know what lies beyond and between you and your target.
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
Going with this theme, a falling knife has no handle. Let it fall, jump back to avoid it.
Hugh Cookson 2 years ago
yup, ex - chef here ; an idiot I worked with years ago decided it'd be a good idea to try and catch his super dooper expensive, heavy Chefs knife when it fell of the work surface, caught it by the blade and promptly had pretty much every one of his tendons, ligaments and many hand muscles cut through. He still has a claw hand despite many rounds of surgery.
Load More Replies...
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
or, you could just not decide you need a gun to go to the store. Just a thought. (Yes, I'm American. No, I don't hold with guns as an "answer". If a gun is the answer, as my gramps would say, you asked the wrong question.)
Michael MacKinnon 2 years ago
Even before these steps: when first given a weapon, clear it (remove magazine, open bolt to eject any rounds, visually confirm it's clear, uncock the trigger mechanism and engage the safety).
Joe Average 2 years ago
And if given a gun that you know nothing about b/c you know about guns in general - lay it down, walk away, summon someone with gun training.
Load More Replies...
DelvianBlue 2 years ago
This is why I wish gun safety classes were required in the USA to own a gun. So many people here are killed by toddlers or children, or by people who don't know how to take care of guns. We could save so many lives if people were required to learn this stuff before buying. We do it for owning cars. I don't understand why we can't do it for guns too.
ninjaTrashPandaBoom 2 years ago
Gun safety classes before purchasing the gun for everyone in the household. Kids would get lessons in the dangers, all adults should know how to safely store and handle the guns at least. Also, require trigger locks and/or a gun safe in the home.
Load More Replies... Tams21 2 years ago
I'd argue that anyone that needs to be told that shouldn't be anywhere near a gun.
Barbara Forshee 2 years ago
Have to be told that at least once to learn it. Some people have never held a gun. Some guns have hair triggers and the slightest touch can make them go off. If you aren't aware of this there is no time to see what is between and after your target. Also if you've never held a gun it can be intimidating and people think it's like it is in the movies. They need to learn different in order to be safe.
Load More Replies... Barbara Forshee 2 years ago
Learned this in Gun Safety in the 6th grade. Which is something you wouldn't see happening today.
Hippopotamuses 2 years ago
So pleased to live in a ‘free’ country. Where people aren’t compelled to carry guns, for their own safety.
#8
Wear the seatbelt. It's there for a reason.
David Paterson 2 years ago
For pets, too. You don't want a ten kilogram missile flying around your car when you have a crash.
AndThenICommented 2 years ago
Mine is 35 kilos, but yes, a huge missile. A doggie seatbelt harness is about $20 and well worth it for all
Load More Replies...
A Nelson 2 years ago (edited)
A week ago, I was hit by a drunk driver who was going 120mph. You never see them coming, seat belt and airbags saved my life. I know that from the bruises that the seat belt left on my hips and shoulder. Also everything in your car becomes a projectile in a high speed crash
Shannon Hawks 2 years ago
wear a damn helmet on a motorcycle also. can't believe some states still allow no helmets
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
My dog only weighs 7 pounds. She has a carseat with a clip that fastens to her harness. In my car, no seatbelt, no ride.
Malfar 2 years ago
Top lame excuses I heard from the people who don't wear belts or don't want their passengers to wear them (it's more common in Ukraine and Russia). 1) It's okay, the police raids are over in this district, they aren't stopping anymore. 2) What, you don't trust my driving skills? 3) If we get into an accident and the car will lie on the roof and catch fire, your safety belt will become your death trap! 4) Are you a sissy? 5) why not the hard hat though?
LH25 2 years ago
When we were first dating, hubby didn't want to wear his because he said he didn't want to get trapped if it malfunctioned. I had him talk to a friend who was a police officer. Who said the chances of that happening were very low. His words were "I've never unbuckled a dead man". Some years later, hubby was re-ended on the freeway. They had to cut him out of the car, and if he hadn't had a seatbelt on, he'd have probably gone through the windshield.
Load More Replies... DarkViolet 2 years ago
I will never understand why this has to be constantly repeated--to adults, no less. For anyone who isn't convinced that seat belts save lives, go to YouTube and pull up some of those classic PSA's featuring the test dummies and actual accident victims who didn't wear their seat belts. Better still, talk to a highway patrol person about some of the times they have had to deal with the remains of a beltless driver/passenger, especially the headless ones. Oh yes, look at some photos of the aftermath of similar accidents. Then come back here and tell everyone that you're still not convinced.
Teresa Spanics 2 years ago
I remember reading Reader's Digest and one book had "pictures without words" and it showed the aftermaths of vehicle accidents. There was one body you could not tell which end was where the head went and the feet as both were gone. A man's body hanging by his belt after an accident.
Load More Replies...
Jennifer Clark 2 years ago
Wear your dang seatbelt. No matter what. I was in a car accident, and a woman in another car flew out of her windshield and died because she wasn't wearing a seatbelt. "Oh that'll never happen to me, I'm a good driver" That's what she thought. Safety rules are there for a reason.
Jorie 2 years ago
My dog is always in a harness and buckled up in the front seat. You can purchase a loop that the buckled seatbelt fits through and clips to the harness. A harness is better than a collar because if the car stops short, the pressure will be spread across the dog's chest rather than his neck taking the brunt of it.
cecilia kilian 2 years ago
There are cat harnesses too. Kitties seem to be less stressed as well, compared to being in a crate.
Load More Replies...
Alvia Vseobecna 2 years ago
I have met so many otherwise clever people who just ignore seatbelts.. Iam literally unable to process their reasoning or lack thereof... even in 'small' collisions there can be nasty injuries.. why do people want to die so badly
#9
One thing a senior supervisor taught me as a crisis social worker, if it feels bad or wrong trust it. Don’t push past it, there’s usually a good reason you intuitively know that. Also, lock up your damn guns.
Verena 2 years ago
Crisis social worker & gun ?!? One of the main reasons why I never ever will visit the USA: It is such an unsafe and dangerous country, that everybody needs to carry a gun 24/7. And reason for it being dangerous and unsafe is: Everybody is carrying a gun. As a tourist, I am not allowed to do so. So I happily stay in this part of the world, where gun ownership and use is so heavily regulated, that even criminals need to do some effort to get hands on one. Result is less guns. However, the youth discovered knives, so this is adressed by making it harder for everybody under 18 to buy a knife in whatever shop.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Not everybody is carrying a gun. Only a loud, ignorant, belligerent group of inbred angry inchers. The rest of us don’t even—-and never will—-have a gun anywhere near our homes. Louisville Sluggers maybe, for home protection, but not a gun. The vast majority of us are definitely NOT that particular negative stereotype.
Load More Replies...
Xenia Harley 2 years ago
This seems to be part of police trying now! Former landlord became a cop after 9/11 and she was told to trust her gut. There is actually scientific evidence that your brain is responding to something that is not yet conscious! Trust your gut!
Red PANda (she/they) 2 years ago
I have great intuition; however the thing is I also have anxiety and OCD. So I can’t figure out what’s instinct, what’s anxiety, and what’s an intrusive thought 😖
StrangeOne 2 years ago
I have anxiety as well, and there's times when I know I just need to get out of a situation. Sometimes it's because the my mind is telling me the situation is too stressful for me. Other times it's a feeling that comes up that doesn't seem to make sense with the situation I'm in. For ex, the bus is not that crowded but I'm feeling stared at or something feels off and I need to get off the bus immediately. That type of intuition comes on very quick, before I get a chance to think it over and my flight response takes over. This is what happens when people get an overwhelming sense they need to cancel their plans then later learn the plane they were supposed to take crashed. Or running away from someone they later learned ended up kidnapping someone. Now, intrusive thoughts are when you're deep in thought, start thinking of things that cause distress and anguish. You have more control to stop and tell yourself to shut up and think of something else. ;P
Load More Replies... ginshun 2 years ago
This is true for everyone. Trust your intuition. If it feels like something is wrong, it probably is. "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker is a good book about this type of thing. There is a reason that people have a fear instinct. Fear, in this context at least, is not a bad thing.
Frank Ropen 2 years ago
Gut feelings being right is a combination of survivorship bias and oblivion. You forget when your gut was wrong and fear raises the probability of surviving. If you hear a noise, think it's a tiger and starts to run, you are either right or wrong, in both cases you survive. If you think it's just the wind, you only survive if you are right.
Load More Replies...
Jane W. 2 years ago
Hey, everyone in the U.S. does NOT carry a gun. It is limited to a certain population, which is very small. But the bad folks within that population makes the news, not the rest of us. I have lived here for 75 years, and have never ever witnessed gun violence or known anyone else who has.
Frank Ropen 2 years ago
Gut feelings being right is a combination of survivorship bias and oblivion. You forget when your gut was wrong and fear raises the probability of surviving. If you hear a noise, think it's a tiger and starts to run, you are either right or wrong, in both cases you survive. If you think it's just the wind, you only survive if you are right.
MR 2 years ago (edited)
I wouldn't be worried about the people that are openly carrying a gun (which is RARE) or the people that legally own guns. Almost all shootings occur between colored people in their neighborhoods where a tourist wouldn't even go and the firearms they have are not legally owned either.
#10
If you lose your child in a crowded area, shout out what they're wearing as well as their name. It makes them much easier to identify to others.
If you're swimming in the ocean and you get knocked over and can't tell which way is up, exhale and follow the bubbles.
the one panda _ 2 years ago
And if you’re stuck under the snow, make a hole and spit, and dig the opposite way of where the spit falls.
Sathe Wesker 2 years ago
I should have known this as a Canadian but damn, I’m going to remember it.
Load More Replies...
GoGoPDX 2 years ago
Also, teach your children their full name, and your name. It will never help when you find a lost child, and ask them their parent's name, and they reply " mom and dad". Another good tip is to tell your child if they get lost to found an adult with children or a store, worker, etc. A lot of times people tell.kids to find a police or security officer or fire fighter, but its really rare when there are police or fire fighters just hanging around.
ninjaTrashPandaBoom 2 years ago
I like that phrase "let your water out." I am going to steal it!
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago
Don't assume other people are going to be watching out for your kid. My daughter took off on me once and the fast little bugger ran down a skywalk corridor with a lot of corners. I completely lost her. I started asking people if they saw a little girl and gave them a description. Not one person told me they saw her. Security did end up finding her, thankfully. But, yeah, it made me realize strangers are mostly in their own little world, not minding anyone else around them. I got a harness and leash after that. (For those who think it's embarrassing for the kid, you use them on toddlers and preschoolers, who are at an age where they don't care what others think about what they are wearing. Safety takes the priority over opinions of aesthetics.)
Florence O'Grady 2 years ago
And nowadays, better to be safe than sorry. There are too many weird people walking on the earth now. And a lot of them are looking to snatch up children, for different reasons. Until children are old enough to not run and hide, because they think it is funny or a game, leash them. If doing this to all children saves one child's life. It will be worth it.
Load More Replies... 
Riley Quinn 2 years ago
Might be a good idea to take a photo of your kids before an outing to have a fresh, identifying photo to show security.
Patti Smith 2 years ago
If going to a crowded place with kids take their photo before leaving the house…so you can show people how they look and what they are wearing. Have a photo of you car license plate in your phone if you lose or your car is stolen.
Melissa Dowling 2 years ago
Don't buy your kids blue bathing suits. It makes them harder to see @ the bottom of a pool.
#11
The tv line, "somebody call 911!" doesn't work. The crowd will assume some else has, and so no one will.
If you come upon the emergency, and you don't see someone already calling 911, YOU DO IT, or you take charge of the scene (like if you're doing CPR) and *appoint* someone to do it and report back to you.
"In an emergecy, the one with the flashlight becomes the leader."
That One Nerd 2 years ago
Yes. Call someone out from the crowd. Point at someone and describe what they are wearing: ex- "You, in the blue shirt! (Pointing) Call 911!"
GoGoPDX 2 years ago (edited)
Taking control of the situation should be the 1st thing you, or someone does if you are responding or helping in an emergency situation. Be firm and precise. An example scenario. I am at the grocery store and someone collapses. I would go to the person and say to them/family/friends/crowd " my name is Jenna, and I am a registered nurse and am here to help". I would start assessing the patient while I appoint (literally point at and describe) a person to call 911 and make sure they acknowledge and confirm they are doing it and that they stay close to you and the patient, because dispatch will be asking a lot of questions you will need to answer. I would then appoint someone, preferably a store employee, to get an AED and then ask if anyone else has first responder/cpr/medical training, and if they do, I put them to use. If there is someone more qualified than me, like an ER Dr or surgeon, I would have them run the scene. If there is a person with the patient, like a friend or family member, I would ask if the patient has any medical issues, is on any medications, their age and anything else helpful. I do all if this while still assessing the patient and running the scene, directing the qualified helpers. I would make sure to assign a couple people for crowd control, someone to go outside to greet EMS and lead them to the scene,. I would also try and remove anyone who is freaking out or panicking, as they can cause us to lose focus and that is when mistakes happen. I would continue to run the scene until EMS got there. I know i have a lot of experience doing this that Imost people don't have, so it can seem like a lot, but it is an extremely important part of being a first responder or being trained in cpr/first aid. I believe it needs to be taught a lot more thoroughly in CPR and first responder courses. I know this is a long, detailed read, , but hopefully this info will helps others know and understand the general idea if taking charge of an emergency situation and how to do it.
Load More Replies...
Kerensa Scott 2 years ago
911 and 999 know that multiple people will call and they can work out it is several calls re the same incident really quickly
GoGoPDX 2 years ago
That is true, but if you can avoid this from happening in the 1st place, it can save dispatch a lot of time and energy they would have to use to sort out the calls.
Load More Replies... DarkViolet 2 years ago
Just last week, there was an incident on a school bus. The driver said that he felt dizzy and was going to pull over, but passed out before he could. One young man quickly exited his seat and managed to safely bring the bus to a complete stop. The first words out of his mouth were, "CALL 911! SOMEBODY DO IT!" I hope he gets the acknowledgement he's due; his parents raised him right.
Cyber Returns 2 years ago
Don't even waste valuable time looking at the crowd. Call the emergency services straight away. They would rather get extra calls to the same emergency rather than none at all
StrangeOne 2 years ago
Crowd mentality can prove deadly. If you end up being the only one recognizing there's trouble, and everyone else is minding their business, all calm, no one else will want to react. You may even get a "calm down. There's nothing wrong." I'm not sure how to get other people take action in that regard.
Load More Replies... Daniel Heys 2 years ago
Tell the person all the information that would be needed for the police then say do you understand so they know what to tell the police
🦗 Omnisexual Insect 🦗 2 years ago
And don't ask a child to call, they will freak out even more than they already are
Duuuuuuude 2 years ago
And depending on where you are and how many other people there are, send people to flag down the ambulance. For example, if I had an emergency at my house, and was performing cpr, and had called an ambulance, I would send one person to the end of the street to flag it down and another to the end of the driveway to flag it down.
Jaya 2 years ago
Good idea! You don't want them to accidentally miss your street/house and waste precious time. I once saw from the window that there was a fire in a building in the park. I saw the fire truck drive straight ahead instead of taking the entrance path into the park. Presumably because it isn't very visible that this path leads to the entrance of the park, and it doesn't have a street name. There are no turns on the main street for quite a while after, so it took them 3 extra minutes before they were back to take the path again. The fire in the building was soooo much bigger by then.
Load More Replies... Jaya 2 years ago
The bystander's effect (everyone assumes someone else will do it, so no-one does anything) is incredibly dangerous. If you're ever in a situation where 911 needs to be called, always call them yourself, unless you know with certainty that it has already been done. 911 doesn't mind, they would rather have 5 people calling than 0. I've twice called 911 when I saw houses on fire, both times they were very nice, told me they were already on their way, asked me details about the fire (how big is it, can you see if there's anyone inside), and thanked me for calling.
Trophy Husband 2 years ago
And don't say nine eleven, there have been cases where someone ran off and came back to say there is no eleven key on the phone. Stress causes people to not think.
Sakura Windsong 2 years ago
Every situation is unique but when I was witness to an emergency and they said call 911 everyone in the whole entire restaurant got out their phones and started calling 911.
#12
Don’t put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure, protect their head and let them seize.
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
A kid at my high school had a seizure on the concrete handball courts - my genius classmate quickly slid his tennis racket under his spasming head preventing him from what would have been a serious head injury. Fantastically quick thinking for a 13yo!
Sathe Wesker 2 years ago
As an epileptic! Hell yes!! Just protect the head and let the seizure happen! God, I’ve had to teach so many people this. The whole swallowing your tongue thing is a complete myth. Also! Once the seizing stops they will likely still be unconscious for a small time, in that time roll the person onto their right side while putting their left arm over their head and situating the head slightly tilted upwards… this is in cause the body decides to vomit and the person doesn’t choke on it.
Sea Squirrel 2 years ago
And - last but not least: send curious public away, no camera's (!), create a quiet environment. Explain the patient after he/she awakes what happened and ask what he/she needs.
Load More Replies...
Malfar 2 years ago
Thankfully, I don't have seizures, but the number of times I had to hear all the variations of "put a spoon, a knife in their mouth, broken teeth are nothing, they will swallow their tongue, pin the tongue to the collar" from people who became witnesses to someone having seizures is still disturbing.
Sea Squirrel 2 years ago
This!!! Always look voor rescue meds and an emergency protocol. My son always carries both. Like Puck says, there are meds you can give during a seizure. Like the nasal spray. Oh and check how much is needed! It's heavy stuf.
Load More Replies... Annymoose 2 years ago
Also time the seizure. If it goes away quickly they'll be dazed but probably fine, if it goes past a minute and into the 5 minute territory an ambulance should be called. Unless you're in America.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
We just call 911 and get a cop and EMS to come out.
Load More Replies... KAM 2 years ago
And move any òbjects (that are moveable) out of the way. Nothing worse than waking up with a bruised head from hitting a heavy door stop (it was a brick!) . The chewed up tongue is bad enough. Try and be calm when the person comes to - tell them they've just had a seizure and that they're safe (hopefully). If in doubt call an Ambo esp if person doesn't have previous history of seizures. For me, I sleep for days afterward but have a real sense of serenity. Way more scary for the witness then me.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
So the idea that they may swallow their own tongue and choke is a myth? If so, good to know.
Sergio Bicerra 2 years ago
It is not possible to swallow the tongue. Bodily tissue firmly connects the tongue to the mouth, which prevents people from accidentally swallowing it. It is a common myth that a person can swallow their tongue during a seizure, while asleep, or if they become unconscious. From Medical News Today.
Load More Replies...
Asri X 2 years ago
Also be aware some epileptics have seizure dogs which may alert (uncommon) and/or be trained to react and increase their safety. If there's a dog in a vest, let them do their job and just assist with things hard to them to do, like moving away furniture and cushioning their head.
#13
Have your address clearly marked & lit so responders can get to you quickly... every second counts.
Malfar 2 years ago
I'm pretty much screwed if something happens. My house is basically in an alley, hard to find, and the navigator doesn't help. Each time I call someone to fix something at home, it's the same phone call. "Excuse me, where is your house? I am already here but can't find it. - Stay where you are, I am going out to look for you". Israel, but it may happen in any country.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
Might I suggest getting a sign to post at the beginning of the alley?
Load More Replies...
Tarryn Ball 2 years ago
Why do so many properties not have the number visible anymore? I'm a Meter Reader. If it's difficult for me, then emergency services must find it hard.
Kjell Provost 2 years ago
As a first responder i can confirm this, not finding the right place because the housenumbers are not visible is the major reason to lose time.
Louisa Spoke 2 years ago
I live in an old wear house. No one thinks anyone lives there but we do.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
I do gig work delivering things. Way too many homes, especially new ones, go out of their way to hide their house numbers. There is one complex that purposely does not have any addresses on the buildings or doors to discourage stalkers. However, if you type an address into google maps, it takes it right to the correct door. Why make it harder for the cops than the stalker at night to find your house?
celeste hall 2 years ago
Navigators make mistakes, google maps has my dads driveway marked a s a road that has 15 or so houses on it, he regularly has people come up the drive looking for the "other houses" he gets packages, and food almost weekly but when the emergency vehicles come up the drive and act lost that is peoples lives, so if you are in a market for e new home in the country make sure google and the other map apps locate it correctly
#14
I’m not a first responder, but I have a friend who is. He says STAY OFF OF TRAIN TRACKS. Don’t squish pennies or do photo shoots on them or walk on them at all. Believe it or not trains can sneak up on you at an alarming speed and they DO NOT slow down.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Neither can eighteen wheeler trucks, especially when full. Physics, folks. Physics.
Load More Replies...
TheElderNom 2 years ago
Train driver here, I fully endorse this message. Trains are quiet and fast. And stopping them takes time, a long time and therefore a long distance.
Mason Kronol 2 years ago
I grew up near train tracks. Before they were all turned into hiking trails that's where we walked. Our parents taught us to listen for trains, feel the tracks and always be looking behind us every 60 seconds, more around corners. We would have one of us walk backwards of it was a blind spot. Then we would stop on the side and wave at the engineers. Looking back now I imagine they were happy we were standing back so far. Back in the late 60's early 70's my uncle stuffed clothing and laid them across the tracks.they were about 100 yards away.from the house. He got in a lot of trouble.
Load More Replies...
Coyote Osborne 2 years ago
When I was a kid, there was a "game" kids played for a while, where they'd dare each other to try and roll between train wheels as a train passed. Do not do this either. I got to see what the insides of another kid looked like at a very young age. Boy, humans can be dumb.
Mason Kronol 2 years ago
Was one of your friends the guy that hit on me at a bar and got mad when I turned him down saying it was because he only had one leg and I said no, you're an as$ ole., Found out later from a mutual friend he lost his leg drunk walking on the train track...that was 1/8 of a mile from the bar we were at. This was a track that had a river and roads that would be easy to get out of the way. Unless you're a drunk a hole.
Load More Replies...
Orion Red 2 years ago
I used to live in a town that is a railroad hub. You may not believe this, but a massive train can be moving at like, 20 mph and get within 10 feet of you before you hear it. I took the short cut along the track once and had this happen. I wasn't close enough to get hurt, but it was quite surprising.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
Thank goodness all you lost was a month's worth of sweet dreams!
Load More Replies...
Skye Ragsdale 2 years ago
If you really want train track photos, find ones that aren't operational. There are plenty of remnants out there that don't connect to anything anymore.
Stardust she/her 2 years ago
Idiots in my country walk on them all the time. I’ve even seen people ride their bikes on tracks where trains can come anytime
HolyDiver 2 years ago
The train always wins. I work in transit and can verify this by the number of times I have had to lead hazmat crews to the pit and show them the underside of the train. You eventually get desensitized and just plain angry at the idiots removing themselves from the gene pool.
Cassie 2 years ago
If you don't believe trains can sneak up on you, there are videos of people walking on the tracks with a train coming up on them and getting startled when the conductor blows the horn. The look of shock on their faces that a train is right there behind them should be enough to at least make you consider that there may be some truth the fact that trains can sneak up on you. Also, there have been incidents of people getting hit by trains because they didn't hear it coming.
#15
My Uncle used to be a Cop. He said that if someone is Overdosing, you should still call 911 because you could save their life, and there will be absolutely no legal trouble. And you don't have to wait 48 Hours to report someone is missing. The sooner the Better. My Dad used to be a Firefighter. He said that if you ever wake up to the smell of Gas, don't turn anything on, because it's electrical damage, and it can cause a firey explosion. He also said that when cooking something in a pan, And it catches on Fire, Don't use Water to put it out, use the pan cover.
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
I see that 48 hour thing in police procedural novels, but every cop I hear about says report the missing immediately. If your local cops or sheriff doesn't want to take the report, call the FBI or the state cops.
Mouse 2 years ago
The local cops refusing is a problem. If they didn't, they might have found the girl kidnapped in TX from the Mavericks stadium while she was being raped in the parking lot. Instead they only found her a week later being sex trafficked in Oklahoma.
Load More Replies...
Jeremy James 2 years ago
I'm so glad that grease fire lesson was drilled into me as a child. We had one in the kitchen a while back and my partner was about to throw water on it. I shouted, "No!" just in time. His next idea was to try and smother it with flour. "You mean dessicated, powdered grass seeds?! No!" We didn't have the lid, so we smothered it with wet blankets. No serious damage, but we were only one mistake away from losing the house.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
And if you aren't sure if someone is ODing, give them Narcan / naloxone anyway. If they're ODing you might save their life, if they aren't then it won't hurt them.
The Deez 2 years ago
I second this! The most heart wrenching thing I've ever done was watch my husband give Narcan to our son. We had basically just found out that Declan was struggling with opioid addiction (through a series of events that had happened earlier in the day) and we knew that he had taken additional pills at some point, but we had no idea how many. Deco was passed out in his room and my husband, who is five years sober, keeps Narcan on hand. Our thought process was literally exactly what you mentioned - if he's not ODing, it's not going to hurt him but if he IS, it could save his life. Now our son keeps Narcan on hand as well. (We all do, actually.)
Load More Replies... Paul Pienkowski 2 years ago
My adopted uncle was a sheriff deputy. He always told me to trust my instincts. If it doesn't feel "right", it probably isn't.
Giulia Di Matteo 2 years ago
Why on Earth you should NOT call an ambulance is someone is overdosing?? That person could die and just because he used something illegal, we should do nothing??? The fact that he had to specify it, terrifies me...
WonderWoman 2 years ago
The 48 hour thing is in movies, tv shows and books for DRAMATIC EFFECT - Call the police, leads grow cold in 48 hours.
StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)
When I reported my now ex missing, it was already 12 hours because he never showed up for work and he's a bit of a workaholic. I was told by missing persons it hadn't been 2 days and to call back then if he doesn't show up, and then I got interrogated on the phone about our homelife and why he could possibly have just taken off. Then they said "he's a big boy. He can take care of himself." I asked "So you're not even going to bother looking for me." She said "Nope. It's not a priority." If it were a women or child there would be amber alerts and the whole shebang immediately. The f****r ended up showing up 2 days later, saying he was with his buddy selling drugs or something. I kicked him out then his parents sent him back my way to "talk it out" with me.
80 Van 2 years ago
Then when you cover the pan, LEAVE IT THERE and do not try to take it outside. Someone I know covered the pan and took it outside because they wanted to get the fire out of the house. The sudden temperature difference caused the lid to blow off, and they suffered 2nd degree burns on their face and chest.
Greg Baughman 2 years ago
And NEVER use flour to put out a fire on the stove. I've seen people mention that, and flour dust can be VERY explosive.
#16
If you're going to a big crowded event with a small kid, get a sharpie and write your phone number on their arm. Teach them to find someone in a hi-vis and show it to them if they get separated from you.
Cecilie Hammershøy 2 years ago
I work I. Legoland and it take minutes to find the parents if the kids have a phone number on them. Imagine being a child in a country where you don't speak the language and you get lost from your parents....very scary.
Melene Majlovic 2 years ago
Former Legoland worker here - exactly. When they cried and could not even tell their name, phone number on the arm was a lifesaver ;-)
Load More Replies...
Panda Kicki 2 years ago
Why a sharpie? Kids sweat that off pretty quick. We have bracelets with contact info on.
WonderWoman 2 years ago
Sharpie is semi-permanent and doesn't really sweat off. A bracelet can be removed if the child is being abducted.
Load More Replies...
Alexandra Davis 2 years ago
In the Uk shops have a sticker in the window if they've signed up to a "lost my adult"/ "safe space" scheme for children to know what the sign looks like to go and find a member of staff in that shop if they're lost. Used to show them the sticker and where to look for it if they got lost and could go for help. Different places have different stickers so always worth finding out what the one is for that place. But easy for the kids to spot and find, though normally 99% of shops sign up
Brooklyn Roffman 2 years ago
Que. I was younger, my mom made me memorize her phone number, just in case.
Loren Pechtel 2 years ago
Never thought of the find someone in hi-vis bit. In general I wouldn't think it would be too useful, though--people in hi-vis aren't that common.
The Original Bruno 2 years ago
Helpful hint: Your kid doesn't need to know the real lyrics to "867-5309 (Jenny)"
Princezz Puffypants 2 years ago
We wrote it on the chest or belly so that strangers did not have access to our info until the kid lifted their shirt to shoe it to someone
#17
Whenever you encounter an emergency situation, stop what you’re doing and say to yourself “This is not MY emergency”
This will (hopefully) allow you to take a step back & assess the situation & prevent you from making poor, split second decisions.
So many people jump into swift water trying to save someone else, only to become a second victim. Some people quickly try to extricate victims, but injure then further.
Allow yourself to look at things as objectively as possible and you’ll make much better decisions.
Malfar 2 years ago
You may go hoarse preaching that, but the media and the general population would still praise the heroes taking split-second decisions and acting before thinking, and curse at calmer people, "cowards" who decide that they don't want to die while trying to save someone.
Red_panda 2 years ago
The OP wasn't saying don't help. The OP is saying "realize this is not you or anyone you love having an emergency". This allows you to help in an objective way that prevent further injury or escalation of the emergency.
Load More Replies...
JoTheLizard(she/they) 2 years ago (edited)
As someone who has proper lifeguard training,only try to help if you are experienced in this situation,do not attempt to do cpr,there is a very specific “tempo” force and amount to cpr
Loren Pechtel 2 years ago
If CPR is needed the best person available should do it but inferior CPR is still better than no CPR.
Load More Replies...
CanadianDimes 2 years ago
A first aid instructor once told me about deciding whether to give CPR to someone - that person is already deäd so it's unsafe for you to do it (for whatever reason), you can't make it worse for them.
Loren Pechtel 2 years ago
Most of the time. There's one case I wouldn't do it: When I know rescue is too far away. I like the backcountry--it's not unusual for me to be in situations where I know no help could reach me in an hour or more. Am I going to do CPR out there? No--there's no chance I'll save someone but I could put them through the hell of a spontaneous return to consciousness.
Load More Replies... GoGoPDX 2 years ago
A!ways make sure the situation is safe for you to help, and if it isn't, think it threw. This can only take a minute or two, but it can save your life, and possibly others. I know it can be extremely hard, especially when you are trained to help and that is your job, but with few exceptions, you may have to make a difficult decision about what to do, and if trying to save someone is worth you dying. This may sound harsh, but there are times when someone just cannot be saved.
Bill Kubeck 2 years ago
If you encounter an emergency before anyone else does, that makes you the first responder. Call 911 (or 999) and explain that you are the first person on the scene. I you have any training, do what the law allows. Stay on the scene until police or EMTs can arrive. Once they do, brief them on the situation, then get out of the way. I always say, "If we're good here, this is your incident now." Then back off.
StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)
Panicking doesn't help anyone. If you're too emotionally charged then you're better off leaving the area all together. Call 911 before you do anything. You may get instruction you hadn't thought of.
Bob Brooce 2 years ago
Two useful things to remember. STOP: Stop, think, observe, plan, and "Don't just do something, stand there."
Jay Weigel 2 years ago
If you see something happen in front of you and you are a healthcare worker or EMT and KNOW what to do, it is okay to stop, assess the situation, and call 911 if someone hasn't already. I've done that several times.
#18
Career Coast Guard here: Wear your life jacket. Period. Don't drink and drive a boat. Period. Use the kill switch on your boat/PWC. Know where you're going, tell two people your itinerary. Make sure a second person on the vessel knows how to operate it. Practice man overboard drills/situations. The backfire flame arrester on your engine is your friend, do not remove it. I promise you it doesn't "gain you any horsepower" when you remove it. Keep a life ring / throwable within arms reach. If you ever fall through ice you only have minutes to get yourself on the shelf. Once you're on the shelf roll away from it towards stronger ice don't try to stand up and walk.
Fire Singer 2 years ago
My dad has a jetski we all play with at the lake and he has strict rules about life jackets and if we're towing someone on a tube there has to be a flagger and things like that. The young nieces and nephews think he's being over protective, I tell them he's just being smart.
Bill Kubeck 2 years ago
And tell your wife the name of your boat. This happened to my mother and her sister. Dad and my uncle had taken my uncle's boat out the inlet to open ocean. They had an engine failure and called the Coast Guard. They were rescued in timely fashion, but Mom and her sister were going nuts because they had no clue that the boat was rescued because they didn't recognize the name when it was mentioned. Don't do that.
Shelby Moonheart 2 years ago
The Coast Guard saved my dad's life off the Oregon coast when the boat was hit by a rouge wave that ejected all passengers out of the vessel. If they hadn't saved his life I wouldn't be here now.
DeoManus Argentem 2 years ago
Man, using the kill-switch (especially if you're alone) is so important! It's a cord attached to a control switch which you either wear around your wrist or attach to your clothes (just like on treadmills and other exercise gear) that kills the engine when disconnected (e.g. you fall overboard or have a medical emergency.) I had a friend in high school out boating and he fell overboard - his boat just kept on zooming until it would have run out of gas or crashed! It's a funny story because he was only about an half mile out, and a strong swimmer, so he made it back to shore... But he had to pay the bill for the coast guard search and tow once they found and returned his boat (which thankfully ran out of gas, probably almost to he Bahamas and didn't hurt anyone)!
2 years ago
MOB drills are sooo important please please please take a class or practice them (also let any passangers know where all of the safety equipment is)
Jackson 2 years ago
Friends and I used to race sailboats at a very amateur level. When practicing, someone would throw a cushion and yell "Man overboard" when no one was expecting it. I lost count of the number of cushions we lost because cushions are hard to see in large waves, but it paid off. Someone in another boat went overboard in a race across Lake Ontario and we managed to pick him up. The insulated, bright orange floatation suit probably saved his life because we were not fast getting to him.
Load More Replies...
#19
Paramedic here almost 5 years. Don't put your feet up on the passenger dash. Febrile seizures are common in babies. Most of the time they are completely benign. Still a good idea to call us incase there's another reason why they are seizing. For a new parent, I understand it's terrifying. It's not how high their temp gets, it's how fast it gets there. Don't bundle them up if they have a fever. I know they're cold but that's just the fever. Give them meds. Seriously consider how emergent your emergency is before agreeing to have us transport you or your loved one. We can't deny your request for an ambulance, and we really can't say 'this doesn't warrant an ambulance ride'. So just use your best judgement, if you are able to. Grandma feels weak and throwing up? She's probably sick. Take her to the hospital or better, an urgent care. Don't really need an ambulance for that. Your back has been hurting for a week? Don't really need an ambulance for that. Hurt your ankle in the shower? Don't really need an ambulance for that. You feel lonely cause you're old and your kids don't visit/call? DON'T REALLY NEED AN AMBULANCE FOR THAT! Other people DO need one and you are taking away a VALUABLE resource from them! My city of 350K people only has 6 ambulances. Yes just 6! Don't waste them! Each call can take up to 2 hours with driving to you, transporting, waiting for a bed, and cleaning. 2 hour window where somebody won't have an ambulance quickly because you have the flu.
witchling 2 years ago
My son had febrile seizures when he was about 2. The first ... I was taking his temp and he seized. My husband didn't see it and thought I was nuts. It ended so fast!! The second was the next morn with his grandmother and she and I took him straight to the pediatricians. His fever was only 101*. The OP is absolutely correct. It's not how high it goes but how fast it gets there. It never happened again but it scared the c**p out of us.
Jcusack 2 years ago
My daughter had one at 14 months. Dropped her of with my SIL, was quoting a job and had 25 missed calls in about 15 minutes. She went from normal to a 105 temp in about 45 minutes. got to the hospital so fast, met in the ED and held her against me. She felt like fire and was just limp, like dead baby limp. Never happened again, but I can still feel how she felt anytime thinking about it. That was not a great time.
Load More Replies... David Paterson 2 years ago
"Don't need an ambulance for that" Yes. But with systems in place in my country, an ambulance is called automatically whether we want it or not. Press a help button in an age care home and an ambulance is called, when all you need is someone to reach your medicine on the top shelf. It's not the fault of the caller, it's the fault of the home. We also need a system to cancel an ambulance call when the sufferer gets better before the ambulance arrives - there is no way to do that.
Lambda Omegamoo 2 years ago
They Can AND Will Deny an Ambulance Ride if the paramedic deems it a "non-emergency". My son started having a psychotic episode about 10 minutes after I took my pain medication. I am the only licensed and Able driver in the home. My neighbors wound up calling 911 (I couldnt, was trying to keep him from breaking more things on the porch). 4 cops showed up and not a single person tried to stop him from punching the concrete walkway. The cops And paramedics told me if I felt he needed medical attention I could drive him to the ER myself. When I said I couldn't drive because I was on pain medication, one of them said I shouldn't have taken it. They all left with a suggestion of calling my local mental health hotline. That does NO good when someone is having a break down from a bad PTSD episode.
Junebugjump! 2 years ago
If you live in a city or large suburb and are elderly and lonely, call Meals on Wheels. They have a friendly visitor program where you’ll get an assigned buddy.
Chris Ulm 2 years ago
Urgent care by me is now appointment only. The only place to go for sudden health issues is the ER, even if it’s not worth an ER trip. It’s ridiculous.
GoGoPDX 2 years ago (edited)
What sudden health issue would warrant an ER visit, if it is not worth an ER visit? It is either an emergent issue, or not. it doesn't warrant a trip to the ER, don't go. Traumas, people experiencing cardiac or stroke symptoms, possible broken bones, respiratory distress, severe allergic reactions, and severe abdominal pain (like severe, not heartburn or gas) and people who are suicidal are sudden health issues that warrant an ER trip. most everything else can wait for urgent care or Primary. Basically, If whatever is going on isn't going to cause significant and/or permanent damage to your body or health, or kill you, within 24 hours, it isn't an emergency. When people use ER as an urgent care, or like a Drs office, it causes the ER to be bogged down, and it is harder for the people who really need it to get care. If you don't know if you should go or not, pretty much every insurance company, hospital, and Dr office have triage lines you can call. They can help you figure out if you need emergency, urgent, or just primary care.
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago
Ambulance services are expensive, even in Canada. There's been times I've been asked if I need an ambulance and I always give a hard pass if I know it's absolutely not necessary. I'd sooner call a cab or a family member to drive me. Now, if you fall and crack your head on the side of the bathtub, that's a very appropriate time to call for an ambulance.
Cassie 2 years ago
I've ridden in an ambulance twice in my life. Once was when I couldn't breathe and ended up admitted to the hospital with plural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity preventing the lungs from inflating) due to pneumonia and the other time was when my son cracked his head open. That's the kind of thing you call an ambulance for.
Vanja Timmers 2 years ago
Where I live, if you call for an emergency, they assess the urgency and will determine if the ambulance will be send or not. If not, you can go to your GP or call the emergency line for after hours. So no ambulance if you bumped your toe. But also no charge in most cases.
Loren Pechtel 2 years ago
My experience is that if someone calls 911 for an accident an ambulance shows up, needed or not.
Load More Replies... Upstaged75 2 years ago
This is infuriating. I once saw (on a reality show that follows real ambulances) someone call 911 because they stubbed their toe. And don't get me started on people who don't really need to be in the ER!!
Christina Born 2 years ago
Know someone who took an ambulance because they couldn't hear... as in their ears were stuffed up.
#20
If you fall into cold water - first of all, FLOAT!! > If you found yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct would tell you to swim hard. But cold water shock could make you gasp uncontrollably. Then you could breathe in water and drown. Instead, you should Float to Live. Tell your children if they fall into water the most important thing is to float so they can shout for help & be easy to find. It calms them down to realise that this is because help will be on hand they just have to make it easier. Being calm might save their life. Tell them they can wait like that for ages if need be - just floating & shouting. I act like there’s an upcoming quiz that my kids are cramming for and randomly will ask them safety questions in any situation. They love the chance to show off & I am repeating it so often it will hopefully stick forever. Q : What’s the most important thing of you fall into water? A : Float & shout. - Q : who is allowed to pick you up in a car or take you to their house? A : nobody unless you’ve told me they will that day. - Q : what do you do if a stranger is being weird? A : go to anyone else & tell them, especially a group. - Q : what do you do if someone is holding on to you? A : BE LOUD AS HELL & kick & hit & wriggle
Bouche, Audi, and Shyla, oh my! 2 years ago
When I worked at a daycare, I would occasionally "kidnap" one of the kids. We taught them to yell, "This is not my mom!" because otherwise, people might think they were just having a tantrum.
Paula Pattison 2 years ago
My kid always yelled "you are not my mummy" when he was having a tantrum somewhere public. I would tell him "if I wasn't do you think I would still be standing here?"
Load More Replies...
Na Schi 2 years ago
Regarding the "Pick-you-up" situation I've recently read to teach your children a safeword. Allowing the child to get picked up if everything and anything goes all wonky (like it has to be a unknown friend or work-colleague jumping in when shīt hits the fan). Though I have no experience how this is working out in the real world.
TruthoftheHeart 2 years ago (edited)
I told my kids that if someone grabs them start screaming and bite, I told them to go to town on the person like a mad dog. They also know to scream help this is not my parent, fire and everything else. Unfortunately there's nothing you can do to protect your kid from crazy people with guns around here.
Greg Baughman 2 years ago
We taught our kids that nobody would pick them up without a password, and we would ask them at least weekly what the password was. We never spoke the password other than that time, it wasn't something you'd say in conversation.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I highly recommend ISR training for babies and toddlers if you have a pool or live near a body of water. It teaches them to roll on their back and float in case they fall in. Even infants can do this as it's basically a reflex. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under 5.
Marykay Klim 2 years ago
And the buckets that you might use to wash cars/floors, are a drowning hazard. Kids can tip into them, because - hey, they are curious. But a little one can drown in a couple inches of water.
Load More Replies... Yoyo 2 years ago
I read about a guy that survived by just floating in the ocean for like 60 hours. Seagulls ate his nose and ears but he survived.
𝕊𝕙𝕪 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 (𝕤𝕙𝕖/𝕙𝕖𝕣) 2 years ago
They should scratch the person holding them so they get their skin and also DNA under their nails
TwirlyGirly 2 years ago
I remember on an old Oprah show there was a guest who was an expert on abductions. He said the most important thing is to not allow your abductor(s) to take you to another location. Even if they tell you they'll kill you if you scream - ignore them and scream, shout, and fight them off by hitting, kicking, biting, etc., the best you can. People are usually abducted in areas where there are other people who might hear you if you're loud enough, which is why the abductor(s) want you be quiet.Their plan is to take you somewhere more isolated - a place where others will be far less likely to hear you - to do to you whatever they've planned. They aren't going to retaliate against your screaming and physical attacks by killing you at the location they're abducting you from, because they could be seen by someone else at or near that location.The expert said this should be taught to children, too.
Christmas love 2 years ago
We have a safe word. My son cannot go with ANYONE unless they know our safe word. He knows it’s extremely important to keep this word strictly between us only!! Our schools also have the option to give the teacher the word in case anyone tries to pick a child up from school
#21
Not something you could use to prevent a lot of casualties at once but very important information that people seem to immediately forget the moment they see someone get seriously hurt. If you see someone lying on the ground after having an accident where they took a very nasty hit to the neck area or upper chest, do the victim a favor and leave them there. Obviously make sure they’re out of harms way but ***never*** move their head or try to lift them back up. A persons first instinct to help is to lift the person back up, if someone has a serious neck injury you can make it 100x’s worse by moving them. Someone I know witnessed a car accident where the driver was hurled 20ft from their vehicle and landed on their upper chest. Once he’s lying on the ground everyone runs to help and everyone’s trying to help him up or sit him up. To everyone’s horror the moment he was lifted up his neck fell to the side with a loud crunch and any movement he might’ve had stopped a run toy like he was shocked with electricity. The person helping him up snapped his neck paralyzing him, something that could’ve been avoided if they left it to the emt’s who are trained for this s**t. Don’t f**k around with a persons body if they took a nasty hit to the upper chest.
Stolas 2 years ago
as a lifeguard i cannot stress this enough. LIFE OVER LIFESTYLE!
Load More Replies...
Paddling Panda 2 years ago
Former lifeguard here. I always assume a neck/spinal injury, especially if I didn't see what happened.
Stolas 2 years ago
if primary doesn't know what happened assume the worst tbh...
Load More Replies...
Betty Morgan 2 years ago
Decades ago a teenage neighbor wrecked his truck in front of our house. He climbed a large hill, crossed the road and rang our bell. The first thing I did once he was inside, said he wrecked and his neck hurt, was to have him lie on the floor on his back. I then fought everyone who tried to get him up and insisted they wait for ambulance. Turns out he had broken three vertebrae. ER doc said I probably saved his life and definitely saved him from paralysis
EmBree 2 years ago
My auntie fell 6 meters down a cliff. People shouted to her to stay still, but she ignored them and got up. Then the stubborn old goat hiked back to the car and got in. Her husband drew straight to their daughter that is a MD knowing he needed help. My aunty's neck was broken. One small slip and she would have been paralyzed from the top of the shoulders and down. People do dumb things when they are in shock, remember that they are confused and might need you to stop them.
Aniviel 2 years ago
I remember an episode of Casualty (a British hospital drama) when Josh the paramedic was attending a biker who had had a crash. An elderly doctor stopped to help and insisted on removing the helmet, which paralysed the patient. That is when I learned never to move anyone or remove anything when you suspect a neck/back injury.
Caroline Driver 2 years ago
I used to ride a motorbike, and did so whilst I was doing a first aid course for work. So one time I put on my full gear and lay on the floor so that the others would get an idea of what it was like if they came across a bike accident. One thing that was impressed on them was not to remove the helmet, and to shout because a helmet muffles sound.
Load More Replies...
Ace 2 years ago (edited)
Someone's having you on. Necks do not 'snap' like that. (but yes to the don't move them, unless you need to do so to remove them from danger or to allow/help them to breathe).
Max Fox 2 years ago
If the neck is already cracked, moving them can break it further. Moving a broken neck can also cut the spinal cord.
Load More Replies...
Caroline Driver 2 years ago
It makes me curl up with fear when I see video clips of accidents with people trying to make someone get up. My mum was a casualty nurse and she drummed it into us not to move people unless they were in immediate danger, and stopping traffic is better than moving someone out of it's way.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
Was on my way to work one morning & watched in horror as a driver ran a red light and hit a guy on a motorcycle. He must have flown 20 feet before landing on the pavement. I was already out of my car before he landed. I pointed to a man in another car and yelled at him to call 911. Motorcycle dude was conscious and trying to get his helmet off. I had to hold his arms down to stop him while trying to calmly explain why he couldn't do that. As soon as the EMTs got there I left so I don't know how he fared.
somnomania 2 years ago
this reminds me of a story about a guy who i think put his car in a ditch, got out of it, felt completely fine, but then something happened like once he was back up by the road and turned his head suddenly and the movement finished shearing his spinal cord in two and he died
#22
1. Drownings don’t look like they do on Baywatch. Don’t expect splashing, screaming or frantic waving. People who are drowning often look like someone being a bit of a weirdo playing by themselves, head going under then popping up like a buoy that’s weighted. 2. Drowning people are dangerous to your safety and you need to approach the situation by prioritising your own survival. It is the natural response of a drowning person to cling onto whatever they can to stay afloat. That includes you. Given the chance, they will climb on your head, and you need to approach a drowning person with the assumption that they absolutely will. Proceed with a floatation device for them to cling to. If you don’t have one, approach feet first, ready to push off if they try to clamber onto you. 3. Don’t jump into the water to save someone unless you know in absolute certainty that you can get both of you back out. The ocean doesn’t care how well you swim in bathers at the pool, it is an absolute force of nature. Don’t become a second victim to be saved, your best intentions don’t help anyone. 4. Don’t walk on the rocks. Don’t swim near the rocks. Don’t fish from the rocks. Stay off the damn rocks.
2 years ago
If someone grabs onto you in the water pry their hands off by their fingers. Break a finger or elbow a rib and swim underneath then behind them and grab them from behind.
Greg Baughman 2 years ago
I've never heard of breaking a bone on a drowning victim, and I've been a lifeguard since the 80's. That being said, if someone does grab onto you in the water, the first thing to do is go under. They will let go, considering they are trying NOT to drown. You can then position yourself to either get away, or swim under and behind.
Load More Replies...
Fire Singer 2 years ago
I was in a pool in a hotel once when suddenly some woman was lifting a toddler out of the water and yelling at the parents of said kid that she'd been drowning. Completely silent. If that woman hadn't seen the kid not being able to surface she would have drown with like 10 adults around her completely unaware.
Leoninus Fate 2 years ago
im 7'4, and you would think someone tall as me wouldn't get tossed around by waves but I was, back in 2019 {the last trip I took with my mm before she passed on the 22 of May this year} we got to the beach, there were tons of people there, I walked 3 feet out {for those that don't know, I cant walk good and use a cane/wheelchair at times} with out my cane or chair the waves just went over my feet, ok easy, so i walked deeper, and suddenly, I was just in head deep underwater, the sand was moving out from under my feet, Causeing me to Fall down So even tho I was tall, once I got down on my knees the wave just bellowed me over and over, I couldn't yell, and out of nowhere, my mom {5'2} comes into the water, grabs my arm and just picks me up fully, it felt like the strongest person had grabbed and lifted me, she had had kidney failure and cancer but she saved me.... she took me up to my wheelchain and put me in it and then stood by me till I felt better...I remember she felt so strong
Leoninus Fate 2 years ago
When she passed ...she was a skeleton, her eyes sunk in, her skin was just nearly hanging to her bones, just skin and bones, for the 2 months as she stayed home hospice with me, and I helped her get around, both of us just walking with our canes...once she fell and... i need up picking her up and putting her in bed....and I hope I felt as strong as she did to me that day.... I miss her
Load More Replies...
sassawrasse 2 years ago
Most of all DO NOT GO INTO ANY BODY OF WATER PAST YOUR ANKLES IF YOU CANNOT SWIM. I live in Florida and every year there are hundreds of dumdum vacationers who die in calm/mostly calm water because they thought they could just go ahead and get in without a lick of swimming knowhow. Even worse are when the people that go to try and save them and THEY can't swim. I know not everyone has access to swimming lessons, but water is dangerous if you can't swim and/or are impaired.
Stolas 2 years ago
had a guy at my pool insist he was a great swimmer and we cant swim test over thirteen (he was 23). first drowning vic of my career.
Load More Replies... Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
Invariably, every summer someone climbs on the rocks at Great Falls, it's narrow where the Potomac flows through Maryland and Virginia. All the warnings about the swift current and slippery rocks don't seem to matter. And nine times out of ten there is serious injury/death.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I actually live in Great Falls. :) And yes, the rocks/falls/river right there are very dangerous. Despite all the warnings people still put themselves in danger. We even had a professional kayaker drown during a competition.
Load More Replies... Haywood Jablome 2 years ago
I've seen somebody smack the s**t out of drowning dudes head with an oar...and you know what? It worked. Saved him.
Skye Ragsdale 2 years ago
That's what they told us when I was a kid 😂 just knock 'em out & drag them to shore
Load More Replies...
Kar Red Roses 2 years ago
I almost drowned in 2 feet of water. I’ve been caught in an undertow and exhausted myself fighting to get out. By the time I was 25 yards from the beach I had nothing left and was getting pulled back. the waves were splashing over my head as I was trying to crawl/swim the last little bit. Lucky for me a person walking with his kid on the deserted beach happened by. My point of the story is the dude did not recognize me as a drowning victim! I screamed and hollered and pointed and finally he came out and got me after I put my face down in the water.
Coyote Osborne 2 years ago
If you absolutely do have to go to the struggling person yourself, definitely approach from behind, and if possible, get your arms up under theirs, like you were going to put them in a nelson, but don't. You just want their arms away from you, and their head above water. If they force you back so you are under, let go, kick away, and try again.
Hippopotamuses 2 years ago
And never cross a deep river leading a horse. If scared, they will also try to get onto the nearest high point…. you!
#23
I volunteered on a SAR team for several years and here are a few pretty strait forward things that if people had known may have saved their life. - If you fall in swift water float on your back with your knees slightly bent and feet facing down river. This lets you push off rocks without breaking your legs or being pulled under. You can use your arms and legs to try to direct your path downstream to avoid obstacles. - Avoid crossing areas of rock where the rock slope steadily increases to a cliff or drop. This is common in granite slabs in the Sierra mountains. Even on pretty gentle slopes there can be loose gravel and once you start sliding it can be extremely hard to stop. So always keep in mind what would happen if you were to slip. - When lost in dense woods it is very easy to wonder in circles. To avoid this line up 3 trees in the line you want to follow. Move to the middle of the 3 trees and then select a new tree keeping it in line with the others. Keep doing this to navigate in a strait line. - You do not need cell service for your smart phone to have GPS or for the compass to work. If you get lost take note of your gps cords and use the compass to get a sense of your surroundings. Then turn off your phone and save the battery. Check for cell service if you find a high point. Your phone may still have some maps loaded so check that as well. You may get lucky and be near a trail or road. - If you are stuck out side and getting very cold you will start to shake pretty violently. This is a good thing and means your body is trying to warm you up. If you start to get tired or feel warmer even tho nothing had changed DO NOT fall asleep. Do literally whatever it takes to keep yourself awake. If you fall asleep there is a very low chance you ever wake up. Along these lines if you suddenly stop shivering and feel a bit drunk you may be in the final stages of hypothermia and are in serious trouble. Even warming up may not be enough, seek medical attention quickly.
Bouche, Audi, and Shyla, oh my! 2 years ago
Don't forget, if you're lost hiking and your phone rings, answer it!
Upstaged75 2 years ago
But what if it's a number I don't recognize? Even when I'm lost in the woods I'd rather starve than possibly talk to a telemarketer! /s :)
Load More Replies...
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
I add this: Just because you know the trail doesn't mean you can't die on it or near it. Happens annually here. Someone says, "I know it well enough," then it's one slip or one "detour" and SAR finds their body.
David Paterson 2 years ago
This also applies on glaciers: "slope steadily increases to a cliff or drop ... once you start sliding it can be extremely hard to stop"
Ace 2 years ago
Yeah, I recall a mountain guide saying "that one turn, be careful; if you slip and fall you will die" :-o.
Load More Replies... Paul Pienkowski 2 years ago
If you're coming to the US as a tourist, never underestimate our changing weather. It might be sweaty one hour, but soon it could be icy.
Šimon Špaček 2 years ago
I was always told to go down hill. Down is the way water goes, if you go down, you will sooner or later find some stream or river and you can follow it. People tend to live close to water sources, so sooner or later you will find someone. And you will not end in circle. Of course, this is not 100% of the world, I don't know how that would work in Nevada...
John George 2 years ago
"To Build a Fire" by Jack London is one of the most terrifying stories I've ever read...& I'm a horror fan.
KittyMommy 2 years ago
Since you are, I'll throw in get the AllTrails app. It has a pretty good library of trails and it will let you download maps of the trails your going to, and will tell you if you take a wrong turn, and how to get back to the trail. It does have a fee to use, but personally I think it's a cheap price to pay to be able to find my way out of where I'm hiking at
Load More Replies... #24
Stop co-sleeping with infants. They don’t need to be in the bed with you, even if you don’t plan to fall asleep. It’s crazy to me how many people argue that there’s nothing dangerous about it.
aldegundis replied:The stories of a parent unknowingly suffocating their infant child are absolutely haunting.
Lisa 2 years ago
Teach parents to bedshare safely! It’s common in many countries from birth and they don’t have Sid’s problems like the western world. Way safer to share a bed safely (following safe sleep 7) than falling asleep in a chair or on a couch where more baby deaths happen as parents are exhausted from getting up every 2 hours. Read James McKennas research.
Jj321 2 years ago
The biggest thing I remember was sleeping in a C. If you are in a C, you can not roll on baby. It is so much better than dozing off while holding them in the chair, which I have done, and fortunately had no ill consequences.
Load More Replies...
Panda Kicki 2 years ago
Co sleeping with a sober, non smoking parent in a proper bed is relatively safe, esp in babynest. Statistics tend to include drunk parents sleeping with the baby on a sofa in a nictotine infused home.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
No it's not. I don't smoke and I was sober while taking care of my baby. I was heavily sleep deprived and could pass out without realizing it. It often happened at night, while nursing. I was so tired I didn't have the strength to hold my baby so I was nurse her laying next to her. Next thing I know I'm woken with the sound of a thud and her crying next to the bed. I know there's this mentality that people expect new moms to not expect any help, but it's so important that new moms get the help they need to function. Don't berate her for asking and don't lecture her with the "you're a mom now, so now you have to just deal with it" bs. New moms are not experts and not "supermoms". They need support and help taking care of their little babies. More babies could be saved if both parents supported each other and extended families helped out, even a little. (btw, my baby was okay and she's a full grown adult now.)
Load More Replies...
9 animals and counting 2 years ago
I coslept with my daughter until she was 4. My mother instinct always told me where she was in relation to me. We snuggled very contentedly every night. It was SO much better than the whole cry it out method which I just find cruel.
Deborah B 2 years ago
If you absolutely need to co-sleep, put the baby in a bassinet, or basket, or even a cardboard box. You can have them right beside the bed, or even on the bed, and have them protected enough that you can't accidentaly smother them.
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
A lot of people wouldn’t define that as “co-sleeping”, though, more as “room sharing”. But I ABSOLUTELY is a protective factor against SUDS, so, yes, do that!
Load More Replies...
Samsquatch 2 years ago
When my friend was younger he was sleeping on his dad on the couch and his dad woke up suddenly. He was quite literally dropped on his head as a baby 😳
Greenmantle 2 years ago
Sadly I know of an infant death not from SIDS, but from getting smothered when the parents fell asleep
Deedee 2 years ago
I don't really understand the issue with co-sleeping as long as it is done responsibly. Passing out with a baby ion the couch is obviously dangerous but in a bed, I don't know. My mom coslept with me and my brother from infancy until 6/7 (we didn't have our own beds, only a big one we all shared).
HistoryLover(she/her) 2 years ago
The only exception is if your kid has a medical condition that requires you to prop them up when they sleep. When I was a kid, my parents had to hold me up in a certain position because I had sleep apnea from tonsillitis, and if they didn’t do that, I would stop breathing.
brittany 2 years ago
dont other countries have specific baby beds made for co-sleeping? and if i recall correctly they have less cases of SIDS and accidental smothering deaths. could swear i saw one country where they literally send the new mom home with a baby box for them to sleep in and its sides are tall enough that you cant roll over on it. idk, someone look that up if you want.
Aga 2 years ago
I love the advice "don't sleep with them". If I didn't sleep with my kids I wouldn't sleep at all (later diagnosed with sleep disorder and autism). It's a great advice in a perfect world but not in a realistic life. In real we need to teach parents how to co sleep safely - even if that is not the perfect option, or still may be the best one in the situaron.
#25
How to perform a Heimlich on yourself, you're a goner without a doubt if you're by yourself and food gets too stuck.
BobRoss6995 replied:1- try to cough the stuff up first. Hard, firm coughs.
2- if not successful, ball one hand into a fist and place it above the belly button.
3- cup with the second hand.
4- When performing the Heimlich, push both hands into the stomach and upwards towards the ribs. Hard and firmly. This is to push air upwards and push the object out.
5- If needed, add objects to aid in adding more pressure into step 4. This could be the edge of a dining chair. Lean into the object at a 30-45 degree angle. When doing the Heimlich, push into the object using your legs. Doing this, you’re using the object to push your hands further into your abdomen.
6- Repeat.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
And cut your food into bite sized slices. Don’t stuff your mouth full of huge pieces of food, as if you’re starving and your plate is going to be taken away a second from now.
Load More Replies...
Nay Wilson 2 years ago
This happened to me when I was about 16. I was eating some chicken and had, I thought, only a small amount of skin left so I tried to eat it in one bite. It got stuck and I couldn’t breathe. My sister was sat a few feet away from me but I couldn’t get her attention so I had to reach into my mouth, grip the skin with my fingers and pull it out. I have no idea how I managed to do it but I’m quite sure I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t. Very scary
Greenmantle 2 years ago
I once heard a first aid instructor say to throw your back into a wall or the back of the couch. Basically anything that will knock the wind out of you should be enough to dislodge the foreign object. I choked on some chips once and could not get any air entry. I was in a shopping centre carpark and waved my hands above my head to attract attention. I then began dry retching and thankfully it dislodged it. 1 Min later help came.
Duuuuuuude 2 years ago
Also, do NOT slap someone on the back who is coughing on piece of food. That is not the same as choking. If they are coughing then they are getting air. Let them cough it up.. Hitting them on the back will only cause the food to drop further into their air pipe. THEN, thanks to you, they WILL be choking.
censorshipsucks 2 years ago
step 1. hold your breath before putting food in your mouth. Your default action will be to exhale when you need to breathe, so you will expel any food first.
Caroline Driver 2 years ago
I once saw a video of someone doing a kind of Heimlich by getting on their hands and knees and then flinging their arms out sideways so that they fell flat on their belly, forcing the air out of their lungs to shift the obstruction. Has anyone else come across this?
#26
Road safety is very underrated and emergencies are common. Keep your cool. Warn others of a problem with emergency flashers. Stay well off the side of the road if you must get out of the vehicle. Keep your belt on unless you just get out of the vehicle If you are walking, be aware of your surroundings. Don't get lost in your headphones. Walk against traffic. Stand off to the side of the road if it's narrow and a car is coming. Wear bright/reflective clothing, especially at night If you are a driver, keep a safe following distance. Slow down in bad weather. Use you emergency flashers liberally for when traffic slows suddenly, weather is really bad, or around a road hazard. WEAR YOUR Seatbelt! I've seen innumerable people die who would have lived if they had just buckled the f**k up. Never drive under the influence! I've seen more people die from road incidents than anything else, by far! (Lifestyle disease not included)
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
USE the TURN SIGNAL. We can't read minds, but we can see turn signals, so we will have a better idea what someone's doing if they use the turn signal. BEFORE they turn, let me add.
Skye Ragsdale 2 years ago
The number of people I see put their signal on AFTER they're halfway in the other lane 🤦🏽♀️ like yeah buddy, I kinda figured it out at this point 😂
Load More Replies...
Greenmantle 2 years ago
If ai add to this, especially for young drivers: DRIVE PREDICTABLY. Meaning don't appear out of nowhere onto a roundabout or bend, give other drivers time to react, indicate for 5 flashes, not 2 (too easily missed). Don't go racing through traffic lights even if you have right of way. You need to give other roads users those crucial few seconds to complete their own action and be alerted to yours. Too fast is just going to cost more in fuel and in accident damage. Also: IF YOUR TYRES LOSE TRACTION AND START TO SKID, DON'T FIGHT IT, GENTLY STEER INTO THE SKID THEN ATTEMPT TO STEER OUT. KEEP REPEATING THIS IF IT DOESN'T WORK THE FIRST TIME. basically you are giving your tyres to opportunity to gain traction again where they are away from oil spills
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Pay 👏 Attention 👏 To 👏 The 👏 Road 👏!!! Turn a deaf ear to what your friends want you to do with the car. Pull over in a safe place where they can call their parents to come get them (and stay until they do), and put them out if they try to grab the wheel or just won’t let TF up.
Load More Replies... Solidhog 2 years ago
If you see a motorbike accident and the rider is not moving DO NOT REMOVE THE HELMET! It could be holding their head together. AND FOR GODS SAKE if you are riding a motorbike WEAR LEATHERS!!!! Even at 30 you can slide enough to wear the skin away to the bone and embed stones and dirt into the wound. And trust me, skin grafts REALLY hurt and need a lot of looking after.
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 2 years ago
This! I'm not a rider, but years ago, I encountered someone who was. Someone driving a car wasn't paying attention on an 8 lane road and the motorcyclist (let's call him John) was sent flying. I only encountered him because we were both undergoing physical therapy and I could tell he was pretty banged up. He said that the road rash was brutal, but it would've been way worse if he wasn't wearing leather.
Load More Replies...
Connie Hirsch 2 years ago
Never cross a street without looking ALL ways. It's true that a pedestrian has the right of way, but physics means that a car may not be able to stop.
Skye Ragsdale 2 years ago
No joke. "Right if way" doesn't make you indestructible
Load More Replies... Cee Grant 2 years ago
If you see deer crossing the road in front of you, don't put on your brights to see them better. They could freeze and increase the chance of you hitting them. Use your horn.
pete 2 years ago
Conversely, if they're on the SIDE of the road, go ahead and hit the brights, because it may keep them there rather than moving into the road
Load More Replies... pete 2 years ago
Also, flashers are for road emergencies, not because you have to pee or because you're trying to get to work or even the hospital
sassawrasse 2 years ago
And definitely not because you think the thunderstorm you're driving through is too much for you!
Load More Replies...
sassawrasse 2 years ago
Do NOT use your hazards unless you are stopped on the road/shoulder! DO NOT USE HAZARDS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER.
Skye Ragsdale 2 years ago
Unless you're driving WAY slower than the rest of traffic
Load More Replies...
Nola Dorothy 2 years ago
And don't ride your bike or jog along the road edge while listening to music on your headphones!! and wear something that makes you visible - I see dozens of cyclists wearing dark colours and riding without lights. Crazy!
#27
Know your emergency exits especially at crowded events, big stores. In case of fire or active shooter, etc... everyone will panic and go the main entrance (the way they came in) but there is emergency exits you should go to the closest safe exit.
Connie Hirsch 2 years ago
In a restaurant, there is usually an unblocked exit through the kitchen, don't overlook that!
Frank Ropen 2 years ago
The kitchen is most likely the place where a fire starts
Load More Replies... Mason Kronol 2 years ago
I had been to the hotel we stayed at for our honeymoon and I hate elevators so I always took the stairs even though it was the the 10th floor. We were in our hot tub and it shut off after 20 minutes and the hotel alarms were going off. We knew where the stairs where and helped people to the exit on the game room that was technically on the 2nd floor. Know your hotel and exits! We keep our clothes and keys by the door. So when we were on the 42nd floor of a hotel in NYC we knew where everything was. When a hotel not far had a fire last year people panicked. Luckily nobody died but we are always prepared.
Bell-icose 2 years ago
Americans have a lot of mass shootings. When they are in the process of shooting people it’s now called an “active shooter” situation. They do drills for it at workplaces and at schools. I can’t imagine what that must be like for kids to have to learn.
Load More Replies...
iMOGENE CARGO 2 years ago
I'm an American so I do this anytime I'm in public... I clock every emergency exit n if I'm at a restaurant or something, I will purposely request to be seated in areas that are close to exits but also shielded from being in direct view of someone who just walked in.. i feel like a mob boss or something. But like.. you kind of have to when you live in a broken a*s place like this. I know I'm not alone.
Nola Dorothy 2 years ago
When I was a kid, and we went to the movies, my mother always had us look for the nearest exit. I still do it, in cinemas, theatres and restaurants.
Alicia Kessinger Bader 2 years ago
I would like to add: 1. Don't run the same way everyone else is running. Try a 90-degree angle. 2. Look for the family restrooms as they have a lock on their steel door. 3. Look to hide between shelves or the refrigeration space: Example, in my local Walmart, there are spaces between the water bottles & the toilet tissue/paper towel section. Plenty of space to crawl into & lay down. 4. The rooms to try on clothes - they have locks on the doors & you can stand/sit/crouch on the benches inside the rooms. 5. The refrigeration units or stock rooms. 6. Furniture seciton - try getting inside any units you might fit & closing the door(s). Another way would be to get between the furniture & lay/crouch down. Other info: 1. Use the child restraint belts on carts to fasten your purse straps, placing your purse where a child would sit. Loop the belt through your purse straps & connect. If you're wearing a sweater/coat & can do without it while in store, place it over your purse.
#28
You don’t have to have phone service to dial an emergency number. It will be prioritised for any available network, so if there’s signal from anything it will get through, not just your network. Similarly, if you don’t know the emergency number of a country you’re in, try the one for your home country. A lot of places will have common ones worldwide go through too.
Šimon Špaček 2 years ago
It may happen that you will end up in a country where you don't know anything. Imagine cruise ship accident or something like that. Not very probable and a lot of people will be looking for you before you realize that you have a working phone, but there is a small chance. But I agree with you, if you travel somewhere, learn the emergency number, get few basic frases and keep written contact for the place where you stay (hotel business card, address of your AirBnB, number of the friend you stay at,...)
Load More Replies...
Soton_Sherpa 2 years ago
In the UK, you can dial 999, 911 or 112 and all of these connect you the emergency services! These numbers can be dialed even if your sim card is not valid in the UK and even if you don't have a sim at all.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
That's good to know. There's also 111 if you have any medical concerns but not super urgent. It's like the HealthLinks phone service we have in Manitoba, where you can talk to a registered nurse.
Load More Replies...
Jj321 2 years ago
At my old office, you had to dial 9 to dial out. It led to a lot of accidentally 911 calls (which BTW vthey ask thst you just apologize, not hang up. Because then they have to call and check on you.) Anyways, they changed it to 7 to dial out. 711 would still connect to emergency services.
Tanya Venter 2 years ago
I will rather call a private ambulance / security in South-Africa. Our police service or ambulance service might not have petrol or not answer the call even. I am Serious!
Hetal Vyas 2 years ago
Also with my phone (Samsung) if the screen is locked, there's a emergency call option at the bottom of the screen so if you're with someone in need you don't need them to unlock their phone for you to make an emergency call
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 2 years ago
Due to the virus that is Americanism, we also have 911 in Australia.
#29
Children choking - every parent should assume at some point their child WILL choke on something and know how to handle such situation. Charble675 replied:I choked on a flinstone gummy when i was super young, my poor mom was scared as hell but to her credit acted fast and got me to cough it back up.
Bouche, Audi, and Shyla, oh my! 2 years ago
I have a very bad choking reflex. Once while in prison, on my birthday no less, I choked on a bite of bread. It was completely covering my trachea, and no air was getting in at all. I elbowed my friend sitting next to me. She started patting me on the back, which was nowhere near enough. I banged my tray up and down on the table to get attention. A woman at the next table said, "Oh look. She's choking." Within a few seconds, though, people were aware I was in trouble. One of the staff tried to do the Heimlich, but couldn't get his arms around me. A second staff member was able to, and he was able to clear my airway. The bread went flying. Almost everyone in the cafeteria applauded. Yes, I know, but they did! I will never forget seeing those men running to me, to save my life.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Oh yikes, that must have been so terrifying for you! Bouche, Audi, and all of us are VERY glad that staff member was able to clear your airway and you’re here with us today :)
Load More Replies... David Paterson 2 years ago
Doesn't have to be a child. A friend of mine lost his brother this way.
Daffydillz~ 2 years ago
I'm so very sorry it must have been so horrible to have this happen to your friend.
Load More Replies... Robert Trebor 2 years ago
My cousin's mom saved her coffee for after her meal, drank the cool coffee quickly, and began to choke. The liquid backed up on food still waiting its turn to go into her stomach, and she quickly turned purple. Her daughter was panicking, I got up and quietly asked if she wanted me to help, she nodded, and I Heimliched her, sprayed coffee across the table, now a pink lady again. (I was taught to ask, because if the victim fights you, you can hurt her).
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
Know the difference between choking and gagging. If they are still making noise, it’s gagging - just keep encouraging them to cough it up. Don’t start swinging them around and whacking them if they are still making noise - it’s not needed and distracts them from what they are trying to do.
P.C. 2 years ago
My mom said that if they’re coughing, it’s probably not choking because they can still breath. Even though it’s still scary when someone starts coughing at the dinner table T-T
Load More Replies... Fish Fingers 2 years ago
Nearly choked to death eating chocolate buttons once (yeah, hilarious). Accidentally breathed in a sticky, semi-liquid ball of chocolate. Absolutely terrifying, and my wife who is a nurse, didn't even realise it was happening and was just looking at me on hands and knees, forehead on the floor, wondering what the hell I was doing.
Max Fox 2 years ago
Do NOT feed your young child hot dogs cut up or otherwise, unless you cut them sideways.
Cee Grant 2 years ago
Is it possible to teach a small child to cough something out? Or just to cough?
Say No to Downvoting 2 years ago
Small children have an innate ability to protect their airways and will naturally cough to bring up whatever is the problem. As a parent/carer you just need to keep calm, demonstrate coughing if you think that will help and monitor to know when to step in (if noises/coughing stops that’s when air is not getting though so is an actual choke and needs first aid).
Load More Replies... Paul Pienkowski 2 years ago
My dad choked once. No one helped and he sadly saved himself. Jack off. Abusive jerk...
DumYum 2 years ago (edited)
Reminds me of the movie Amadeus. Soliaris prayed to God that his father was dead and one day his father choked to death on a fish bone at the dinner table.
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago
Also note, choking can be as silent as drowning. I recall choking on an ice cube in class. I was panicking trying to get it to come up but I couldn't make any sound to alert anyone. At least it was ice and ice is slippery, so eventually I was able to hack it back up. The teacher didn't notice and neither did my classmates. It was scary and that really hurt.
Jay Weigel 2 years ago
Almost all American hospitals now have CPR classes for new or prospective parents. Askk your OB or pediatrician.
#30
Know how to inject an epipen!
TerribleIdea27 replied:Don't put your thumb on the end of the pen! Great way to stab yourself instead (although if you're stabbing yourself anyway an EpiPen to the thumb is still better than nothing)
Celeste Grant 2 years ago
This is so important! I carry epi pens for a number of life threatening allergies. I teach everyone on my life how to use them, when to use them and where I keep them. Please get someone to phone an ambulance when you are administering the adrenaline and be sure the ambulance know it's anaphylaxis. If possible know whether the person can have a second injection and when to give that. It is life saving info. I am only alive because the times I've needed my epi pens I've had people around who knew what to do and what to expect.
David Paterson 2 years ago
If you're a nurse and don't know how to use an EpiPen. Learn immediately!
Brenda 2 years ago (edited)
What is the difference in the blue and orange epipens? What does blue to the sky mean? Orange is self explanatory. I'm horribly allergic to bees and penicillin, but quit carrying a pen because of the cost. Now that I'm older and have several auto immune diseases, I'm going to request a pen from my insurance. I also want to get a bracelet in case I'm unconscious
Stephanie Austin 2 years ago
It's a way to remember which way the needle is. The safety cap is blue which matches the colour of the top. Orange is the needle end. Remove the safety cap, make sure blue is towards the sky (away from the persons body) and you place the orange over the thigh. Press/push firmly until you hear the 'click' (that's the auto injector springing out the needle). Hold it in place for 10 seconds to allow the adrenaline to drain and disperse. Remove auto injector and rub the area for 3-5 seconds to assist with drug dispersal. Blue to the sky, orange to the thigh
Load More Replies...
Judy Ellecim 2 years ago
I am and epipen carrier for an unknown but severe allergic reaction. I will randomly go into anaphylactic shock every couple of years. So THIS!!!!!! Also there is no need to jam them with everything you have into the leg of the individual! Best case scenario you give them a horrific bruise. Worst case scenario you can break the needle or miss the leg. All you need to do it put the auto injector onto the leg and push. Then leave it there for 10 seconds. It is now common to use an epi earlier rather than later when there is a known danger and/or there is any swelling of the face or neck. The most common time an adult dies from anaphylaxis is when they're asleep. Always have an epipen by your bedside if you are a carrier. Lastly if you are a pet owner (specifically dogs) and your pet is acting super weird and waking you for no reason multiple times a night be extra vigilant and maybe pop a benedryl. My untrained dog saved my life this way about 3 years ago.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
The epipen I use comes with a trainer to practice with. Only works if I'm stabbing myself, obviously.
Chintan Shah 2 years ago
Along the same lines, know how to administer emergency reversal treatments for: -- people having low sugar: give them liquid juice if they are conscious, or give them glucagon (comes as injection or nasal spray) -- people having difficulty breathing (could be opioids or asthma attack): give them narcan (comes as injection or nasal spray) and/ or Albuterol inhaler (mouth inhaler)
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Bored Panda is notorious for using completely incorrect or bizarre/baffling stock photos 🙃
Load More Replies... #31
Treat every fire alarm as if there was a real fire. I'm astounded by how everyone just keeps working and completely ignores it.
David Paterson 2 years ago
If you own a company, don't have a fire alarm drill more often than once every six months. And let people know in advance when the drill will be. Crying wolf does more harm than good.
Tyke 2 years ago (edited)
letting people know when the fire drill will be surely defeats the purpose. They will be prepared, they won't act like they would in a fire which would be a "surprise". Just be firm and have a stern chat with anyone who doesn't take it seriously
Load More Replies... 
Matt Du 2 years ago
I worked in a warehouse years ago, next door was a chemical factory. When the local siren went off we were told to carry on and the superviser and floor manager would go to check it out. One hour later we needed paper work signed and no one had come back, so we walked up to the office block, all deserted. The bosses, secretaries, supervisers had all been evacuated off site, as well as all personal from every surrounding factories and all houses in a 1/2 mile radius. There had been a serious fire in the chemical works and our bosses had just left us there working without informing anyone.
The Scout 2 years ago
I learned about that in elementary school with a little twist. There was a test alarm - only they had the idea to practice it together with the local fire department. It was a strange feeling to exit for what could only be a test alarm just to encounter mutliple firemen on the stairs, smoke bombs included. Half an hour later it was confirmed to have been a test alarm, and we were allowed to ride on the fire engine and pester the firmen with questions... Definitely impressed us more in concern to safety guidelines than a simple lecture would have done.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
The worst fire drills have been the ones where the managers won't pull the alarm, but will just shout "FIRE. FIRE. EVERYONE COME THIS WAY." from across the room. When you're not smelling smoke, don't see fire and not expecting a drill, and immersed in your task it takes a long time to process wtf is going on and what they want you to do.
Herringbone 2 years ago
Know where the staircases are. I worked in a tall (for the UK) building, where everyone knew the east stair, because the access was obvious. The west stair was slightly hidden in a corridor. We had a fire drill, and those of us who knew it went for the west stair, knowing it would be empty. We ran all the way down from the 29th floor and didn't meet anyone else until the 7th.
#32
Make sure children are strapped into the appropriate-sized car seat in the back. Front airbags can be fatal to kids. Secure_Conclusion_62 replied:For parents: DON'T hold any of your children in your arms or on your lap while in a vehicle. I don't care if they are hungry, crying, you name it. In a crash, the airbags can kill them on your lap. You can be the strongest person in the world, but even you won't stop your little one from becoming a flying projectile. Just make sure they are properly seated and secured according to their age and siz.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
If your child is usually fussy during car rides, sit an adult in the back seat with them, so they can tend to them without removing them from their safety seat. If a diaper change is necessary, pull TF over!
LumaLena 2 years ago
My sister and I babysat for a kid who was very fussy during car rides. I would sit in the back with him while she drove and it worked great!
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago
In any vehicle, for that matter. They are not little accessories taking up seats for other people. Children are people, too, and need their own seat.
Madam Puddyfoot 2 years ago
And, have your pets confined safely. If there is an accident, they can be killed or have serious injuries from being thrown. And if that doesn't happen, then they can escape in a panic and be lost.
Barbara Forshee 2 years ago
Also everything in a car becomes a projectile in an accident. If it's something that could kill someone if left loose tie it down with the seatbelt or in the floorboard. You do not want to be in a car accident with something in your car that could impale you or hit you in the head and kill you.
#33
Friend of mine is a police officer in his home city. If your friend is drunk get them a cab home. DO NOT leave them to take the train home. He always tells me 90 percent of the people he gets run over by trains are drunks who fall into the train tracks.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Or don’t make it to the train station, or get off at the wrong station, or are taken advantage of on the train if it’s late at night and there are few people on board. Just suck it up and take the time to accompany them home, then get home yourself. The guilt of knowing I could’ve prevented them dying or being attacked or assaulted just by giving up that extra time to get them inside their own home before going home myself would eat at me the rest of my life.
Brenda 2 years ago
A friend and I once got into an actual fight trying to keep another friend from driving. Luckily, we were still in the club. A bouncer came and "relieved" him of his keys. Made him believe he lost them so we could drive him home. He was glad the next day that we stopped him. Never saw him drunk again
#34
If someone robs you, just give them your phone and wallet or whatever else they want. It’s all replaceable. It’s not worth getting shot in the chest and dying over.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Carry a dummy wallet and phone if you can afford to. Then be sure the real ones are well concealed. Easier to do in a purse, I know.
Red_panda 2 years ago
Chances are, they are just going to take the whole purse....
Load More Replies... #35
My dad was an EMT, Firefighter, Fire Investigator, and a police officer. I’ve learned so much from him, but a few that always stay in my mind are: 1. Always extinguish unattended candles, unplug unused appliances, and unplug Christmas lights when sleeping. Sadly, my dad dealt with a lot of deaths from fires started by these things. 2. If you live in a community with a pool that has a faulty gate or fence around it, RAISE HELL until it is fixed. If you have a pool on your property, DO NOT cut corners and expect a s****y fence to keep people out. Luckily there are a lot of regulations around pools now, but when apartment complexes started adding pools in there weren’t requirements for gates around them. Dad had a few calls for a missing kid, noticed the murky pool close by (off-season and wasn’t being cleaned), and had to drag the pool until he found the child. Even 40 years later, he gets a lump in his throat talking about it and we were NEVER allowed to even have a small above-ground pool. There are still kids today that will wander to a neighbors pool and not come back out. 3. If there is a fire in your house, there are a few things to know. First, what kind of fire it is and how to put it out. Kitchen/grease fire? NEVER PUT WATER ON IT! Put a cover on the pan/pot or throw a towel over it. If there is a fire that you can’t put out yourself within 30 seconds, call 911 and GET OUT. Do not start collecting items, grabbing clothes, or continue fighting the fire. A fire will spread very fast and start emitting very toxic smoke immediately. Most fire deaths aren’t from skin burns, they are from smoke inhalation. 4. If your house is on fire and it is already out of control but the room you are in does not have flames (for example, if your kitchen is on fire but you are upstairs in your bedroom) keep your door closed and exit from that room through a window if possible. If you are exiting the home and CAN, always close the door or window behind you to starve the fire. There is a such thing as a backdraft and it can be catastrophic. 5. Things to have in your home and your car at all times- first aid kit with tourniquets and plastic wrap, fire extinguisher, glass hammer, seatbelt cutter, and your ID. Learn how to use a tourniquet, trauma wound care, fire extinguisher, and the tools before an accident happens. The Red Cross has lots of education videos or your local fire department will always have people on shift available to teach you if you ask. 6. If something requiring emergency services happen under possibly illegal circumstances (drug overdose, house fire from reckless behavior, car accident when drinking and driving, etc) BE HONEST WITH THE FIRST RESPONDERS. You will not be the first or last call they ever have with illegal or reckless circumstances. They cannot do their job the best if they do not have all of the information.
David Paterson 2 years ago
This one. "If there is a fire that you can’t put out yourself within 30 seconds, call 911 and GET OUT."
Terry Tobias 2 years ago
They should clarify... get out first! Once you're safe, then call 911.
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago
Backdrafts are terrifying. There's other types of fires I learned about. Flashovers are just as deadly and unpredictable as backdrafts.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
Concerning #1: A house just a half block from me burned almost to the ground last Christmas. I can't help but wonder if it was due to a candle or faulty electric decoration. Thankfully, the family has recovered, the house is rebuilt and the family has returned. Sure would like to know who their insurance company is - and whom they hired to restore their house.
NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
Why would anyone recommend throwing a towel on a grease fire as opposed to baking soda or flour?
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
NOOOOOO!!!!! Baking soda or salt is ok... Flour and baking powder CAN EXPLODE! The Towel would only be OK if it was damp/wet. But I would NEVER trust it. I have used salt before and it works great. Soaked up the grease and smothered the fire. REPEAT NEVER USE FLOUR OR BAKING POWDER OR POWDERED CREAMER OR POWDERED SUGAR TO PUT OUT A FIRE!!!!
Load More Replies...
#36
Depending on your definition of first responder, 911 dispatcher here. Listen to us. People are literally trained to give simple life saving instruction to you. Talking over us, ignoring, or just saying get here now and hanging up takes away from saving whom you’re calling for.
baby frog 2 years ago
Hey guys, I’m commenting to cover another comment of someone’s ignorance. How has your day been, Pandas?
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
They ARE trained, and they also have access to this amazing thing called ✨information✨ - they likely are at a computer where they can pull up guides and scripts for every specific emergency type.
Load More Replies... #37
You cannot smell smoke when you sleep. Install smoke alarms in your bedrooms and hallways. Sleep with your doors closed.
Make an escape plan with your family for the event of a fire, have two main escape routes and a meeting point away from the house (letterbox usually). Practice your escape plan with your family. Do it more than once.
And change your smoke alarm batteries each season.
David Paterson 2 years ago
Most important if you're staying in a multistorey hotel. Even if just for one night.
SparkleFarts 2 years ago
Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher in you residence. Learn how to use it
kate h 2 years ago
And keep it updated. They need to be inspected and recharged or replaced regularly. Also know the difference between fire extinguishers and what type of fire you can use them on.
Load More Replies... Jill Bussey 2 years ago
Also have a carbon monoxide sensor, CO; especially if you have an open fire.
Tsdey 2 years ago
We have 7 smoke alarms (2 in basement 1 in each room other than kitchen) but last year they were getting errors (as in they legit were saying ERROR and we had to remove batteries to make them silent because they were very loud) but we are getting new ones installed sometime this year. also there have only been 3 that have not had the error (basement and dad's room) but we do not know what caused it. and DO NOT SAY IT IS LOW BATTERY! THEY SAY LOW BATTERY WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED.
Kerensa Scott 2 years ago
this is great until the place you live only has one route out - v common in the UK :(
ADHD McChick 2 years ago
What, like only one door? Even so, you have windows, too, don't you? I don't know UK fire code, but here in the US, in a home, especially a home with only one door, windows (or at a least one window) are required, as they are a point of egress. Use a heavy object to smash one, and climb out. If you're on a second or even third story, they make emergency ladders that fold or roll up for storage, that you can hook over the window sill, unroll, and climb down. Well, they sell them here in the US. But I'm sure they sell them in the UK, too. Taller buildings are supposed to be outfitted with fire escapes, or at least multiple stairwells.
Load More Replies... Stardust she/her 2 years ago
I know of 3 ways I can escape my house. The first one is by jumping out of my window, the second on is going down the window of another room which is much safer and the third one is to go out from any of the windows downstairs
#38
If you have a diabetic patient who's dizzy at home or anywhere with no ability to measure blood sugar..always Assume it's a hypoglycemia not hyperglycemia The first line in any diabetes chapter in any medical book is "hyperglycemia is dangerous, hypoglycemia can be fatal" If his blood sugar is high and you made it a bit higher till getting help then that's not a serious problem,if it's low and you made it lower you can probably send him into a coma and kill him
Bored Birgit 2 years ago
I am diabetic, and I always have little grape sugar/glucose pieces in my pockets with me. That already helped me and others.
Brenda 2 years ago (edited)
As a type 2 diabetic, juice works to quickly raise blood sugar. If that isn't available (most diabetics avoid sugary juices), a teaspoon of sugar on the tongue works. Make sure that they swallow it all! If the symptoms are still visible in 5-10 minutes, get them to the ER or urgent care immediately!
Philly Bobcat 2 years ago (edited)
I'm hypoglycemic and this is great advice. 100 being a good line... there can be up to 450 mg/dL or higher before anything bad can happen. A difference of possibly 350 mg/dL. BUT in hypoglycemia 55 mg/dL can make you silly and 35 you can pass out. Only a 45 to 65 mg/dL difference. Better to give sugar, honey, glucose tabs etc and raise it too high than do nothing and bottom out. (I also carry Glucagon in case. I have the new form... Baqsemi which can be shot in the nostrils, easy for a layman to do. The old shot kits... yeah, I'd probably croak!)
Yoyo 2 years ago
How is this helpful? If you don't know what it is you're basically damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
HONEY! I keep a small taster in my purse and a small bottle in my car. It does not spoil, and they can not choke on it.
#39
Limb amputations. Easy to save someone with a tourniquet. Keep a few in your car, know how to apply them. It can save your or someone else’s life. Tons and tons of blood dumps out of an amputation.
#40
If you see a snake, just keep a distance and keep calm. Most snakes won’t attack you, probably only anacondas think of you as food, unless you’re a little kid who meets a big python. Don’t try to pick a snake up!! If you get bitten, take a good look at what kind of snake it is. Try to stay calm, get medical help ASAP.
David Paterson 2 years ago
Australian here. Our snakes won't attack you unless you attack first. By stepping on it, trying to pick it up, or putting your hand down its hole. If you see a snake, it will either be asleep or running away from you as fast as it can. Either way, just back up and walk away.
Paul Pienkowski 2 years ago
If you hear a rattle in the USA anywhere you think there may be snakes, be careful. Rattle means the snake is preparing to strike and you are very close.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
The overwhelming majority of wild animals will leave you alone if you leave them alone.
#41
Just. Pull. To. The. Right. Seriously, our lights go on and people start doing random s**t all over the road. Just pull to the right and at least make an effort to stop. However if we're splitting down a lane and everyone in front of you moves to the left to make a hole down the middle, do not be the singular idiot that blocks off that hole.
Jill Bussey 2 years ago
Be aware of the rules in the country where you are driving. The above MAY NOT APPLY.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
Observe the behavior of trucks and buses. The drivers can see farther than you can, and truck drivers have radios so they receive alerts of trouble before "ordinary" drivers.
Lauren S 2 years ago
And if you have to pull over for one emergency vehicle be alert for others. I pulled to the side for a cop the other day, my reaction time was super slow, I saw him coming but my brain didn’t work immediately. I had pulled over for 5 cop cars in the next 5 minutes. I was able to respond much better for cops 2-5.
#42
If you ever see a weir, low-head dam or waterfall and the water down stream looks bubbly... Or if there's just a patch of bubbly water for seemingly no reason... Just don't go anywhere near that, from either side. (The air in the water takes away a significant amount of your buoyancy and under the surface there's a spinning current, often with tons of hard objects inside, which will catch and kill you). You'll get sucked under, banged up, can't get out of it, eventually grow tired and drown - and those who might be able to rescue you know better than to get anywhere near a deathtrap like that.
Daffydillz~ 2 years ago
I recently read a news article about a couple of men testing out a new boat in an area of Louisiana that near their home but they weren't familiar with. They hit a weir dam that was hidden from sight and the warning signs were covered by brush and very hard to see. They got caught in the wash area that this person is describing and they died. Their wives have been fighting the parish/county to make larger more visible signage as many people have accidently lost their lives there and they feel like it would be less if people were more aware of the problem. It was a very heartbreaking story. It was ridiculous that there's any fight at all to not place additional signs there so as to warn people.
#43
Never remove a motorcyclists helmet after a nasty crash. That's the one I was always told. It's a neck brace.
Paul Pienkowski 2 years ago
I remember one guy whose helmet was literally all that was holding his head on. He was alert, joking, etc until the helmet came off. Instant death.
Tsdey 2 years ago
so it is like when someone is impaled? never remove anything that could be keeping them alive like glass in them or the helmet?
Load More Replies...
Keks 2 years ago
That's not what's teached nowadays. Always remove the helmet if the person isn't responsive! Suffocating is worse than ending up paralyzed, staying alive always comes first.
JoTheLizard(she/they) 2 years ago (edited)
Unless they have a helmet that has a sliding visor
Load More Replies...
#44
That strokes don't always have the typical "F.A.S.T" symptoms. F: face droopy on one side. Let them smile, one side hanging down? Bad sign. A: Let them lift both arms, hand palms up (the bottom part of ur hand, English isn't main language soz). One arm falls down? Bad sign. S: speech slurry? Sounds drunk? Can't find the words, or speaking weird sentences? Bad sign. T: one of the above; call. Asap. Strokes can also have different symptoms and sometimes you have to trust on gut feeling. I'm a nurse and a guy told me he wasn't feeling well, no FAST symptoms but he couldn't read the messages on his phone. He wanted to text his boss he wasn't coming today but he couldn't type the letters and words. Stroke. His speech and arms were fine. Another man was horribly dizzy suddenly. No FAST signs but just unable to stand up due to how dizzy and unwell he was. Turns out to be a small Stroke as well.
Kate Burns 2 years ago
I live 3000 miles away from my mother. I called her one morning because I was going home sick from work. It sounded like there was a problem on the line and she was stuttering. But because I had familiarize myself with the signs of a stroke I knew exactly what was happening. if you are away from a loved one, and know they are having a medical emergency, Hangup, call your local police or fire department. And they can get you to the correct 911 dispatch through a regular phone number. Yes it does take a couple minutes to do this, but it's better than, nothing.
Brooklyn Roffman 2 years ago
I learned B.E.F.A.S.T., overal the same, but adding B. Balance ( dizinesss, etc.) and E. Eyes, (blurry vision, sudden blindness,etc.)
Carla Phillips 2 years ago
Sometimes while experiencing a stroke, the victim will smell something burning when there is nothing on fire. Source: family friend had a stroke
David Paterson 2 years ago
Diagnosing a stroke is one thing, but how do you treat it? You can't, can you?
Daffydillz~ 2 years ago
There is a medication that can be given for a certain type of strokes that can stop them and a patient's damages will be minimal to none. It doesn't work for every kind of stroke though. They can give many medications such as blood thinners and other drugs to help reduce the damage to the patient when symptoms of a stroke are caught early, but there are cases where they happen too quickly and with too much damage to the body to recover completely. That's why every minute matters in making the diagnosis.
Load More Replies...
#45
Paramedic here- 1) learn to recognize signs and symptoms of a stroke. “F.A.S.T”acronym is what we use in the EMS world. 2) learn how to do effective CPR. Immediate bystander CPR and early 911 activation plays a MOJOR role in good patient outcomes in cardiac arrest. If you don’t do good CPR there won’t be very much brain/heart to save by the time we get there.
Brenda 2 years ago (edited)
Fast response can save a stroke victim! I know, my husband had one last October, 10 months after a major heart attack (makes a stroke more likely, so I schooled myself). We got him to the hospital w/in 40 minutes, so he was able to get the stroke meds that STOP THE STROKE and any further damage. But it must be administered within 2 hours. Because we knew that we responded fast. He only had very minor damage and ONLY REQUIRED SPEECH THERAPY! Most require speech, physical and occupational therapy. Many need 24/7 assistance. Even if you're not sure, take them to the ER just in case! Better safe than sorry.
2 years ago
If you are not CPR certified but you know how (like actually know how) do not do the breaths
over it already 2 years ago
It's the response time - if they get to a hospital quickly many times they can stop or at least limit brain damage. The real danger is that people see that something is "off" but don't identify it as a stroke and decide to wait before seeking treatment.
Load More Replies...
#46
I’m not a first responder, however I had friends who worked in EMT and I was trained for first aid and a few other certifications while in school. Always keep a first aid kit and tourniquet in your car. I’ve had many close calls, luckily only needed it once. Guy ran a red light and I t-boned him. He was uninjured and drove away, however my leg was cut so badly that if I hadn’t used my tourniquet, I would have bled to death. Also get training for first aid, you never know when you’ll need it. It can save your life, and others lives in a bad situation. Last thing I’m gonna write here is: when you’re driving, keep the mindset that everyone is a maniac on the road. It’ll keep you prepared to avoid an accident if you need to.
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
...keep the mindset that everyone is a maniac on the road. ABSOLUTELY! Drive very defensively, be looking both near to you, rear of you, as far ahead as you can see, and always try to visualize somewhere to go if a furball starts. HAVE AN ESCAPE ROUTE in your head at all times.
Nano Iders 2 years ago
Also, slow down and be alert at every intersection. Even if you have the right of way. If there is a car pulling out of a driveway, slow down and don't take for granted that they saw you coming. Check your blind spots, not only for other cars, but for bikes and motorcycles. They have the uncanny ability to get to your blind spots and stay there.
Load More Replies... NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
Recognizing it isn't how good of a driver YOU are, but rather everyone else on the road is important. It's also a huge problem I realized teens fail to wrap their heads around. They all believe they are amazing drivers so they are safe and won't have an accident. Dang kids.
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I drive with the mindset that ALL construction workers and anyone on the side of the road, are the mentality of a squirrel, and will dash across the street at any moment. ( Basically I am on high alert when driving LOL )
#47
Ex-Crisis response. Learn how to talk people that are having a panic attack or going through s*icidal thoughts. It's scary from the outside, but fairly simple skill and you don't have to "solve" the situation. Not making it worse is a night and day difference in helping that person pull themselves out of it.
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
Also, sometimes there is absolutely NOTHING you can do to stop them from committing the act. The whole not making it worse is right on the nose. Also Ditto's response is spot on. ( I worked on a **unalive** hotline for 4 yrs)
Gin. No tonic 2 years ago
The only situation where you can move a person after the accident is if they are about to die - car up in flames and/or person not breathing. Because paralyzed is better than dead. Any other situation - do not move them.
#48
Given what recently happened in Florida’s gulf beaches…more people need to know how to escape a rip current.
Shoe 2 years ago
And for the love of God, don't dig holes on the beach and leave them unattended.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
After a woman fell in a hole an was killed, a law was passed that no hole on the beach could be deeper than the knees of the smallest person in your party.
Load More Replies...
Willy Nilly 2 years ago
Yes, but also people just need to stop going in the water when Red flag warnings are issued. The lifeguards and officials KNOW what they’re doing and what to look for to ascertain if the water is safe or not, the average Joe who “knows better” actually knows nothing.
#49
I got CPR training from a trauma specialist who said: **POOR CPR IS BETTER THAN NO CPR.** People die of heart attacks while other people stand around doing nothing, because they're afraid of doing the "wrong" thing. Even people who have been trained in CPR are afraid they'll do it "wrong." **JUST DO SOMETHING!**. My trainer said that it's normal to be freaked out. If all you can remember is *pound on chest*--do that! If all you can think of is *mouth-to-mouth"-- do that! Turn the person on their side, remove anything that's in their mouth... Whatever.
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
And remember: CPR breaks ribs. That's OK. Easier to survive with cracked ribs than a stopped heart.
NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
One cannot survive at all with a stopped heart.
Load More Replies... #50
Avoid getting out your car on the shoulder or even near the freeway at all costs. Get a flat, drive to the nearest exit. Your rim can be replaced, you can’t be. Freeways are probably one the most dangerous places to be on the job.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
A friend of mine's dad lost his leg after his car got a flat on the highway and he was hit by another car while on the side of the road trying to change the tire. :(
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
…are you seriously advocating for someone who is dizzy, ill, or otherwise near-incapacitated to get out of their car and LIE DOWN ON THE ROAD/side of the road? Oncoming drivers will NOT see a prone person in time to NOT run them over.
Load More Replies...
#51
Ex-EMT and ER Nurse Proper way to help a choking infant, if you don’t support the head properly while delivering back blows, you can seriously mess up their neck.
#52
Know how to check for opiate overdose (Loss of consciousness, pin point pupils, not breathing) and how to administer naloxone. It's free at www.towardtheheart.com.
Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
Many (not all) states in the usa, have made it legal to purchase from a pharmacist without a prescription. Also some groups are giving it away free with lessons on how to administer it. Please remember, The person must receive medical treatment after you administer it. call for emergency services (911) . I have also heard that at times the person will come "out" of it all pissed off you ruined their high, be safe.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
When I read this in the newspaper, I decided to be nosy. I called the nearest Rite Aid and asked how to get it. She proceeded to ask my insurance info even tho I said it wasn't for me. She continued to ask me 21 questions...... Better to order online and have it on hand.
Load More Replies... pete 2 years ago
It's awesome that it's starting to be available over the counter, I plan on always having some on hand as my toddler grows up, if he makes a bad decision, I'd like to be able to keep him alive so I can explain at length why it was a bad decision. As with many things, having a preventitive/fix on hand and explaining how to use it is better than dealing with ALL the consequences at times (ie death or pregnancy)
NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
This is in BC. Can you get it through them if you don't live there?
Rostit . 2 years ago
just look up Narcan. that is the trade name. It might be called something else in BC.
Load More Replies... #53
My friend works in EMT and with years of experience, his team is like the main team. They know a few things so I tend to listen when he tries to warn people and teach them how and what to do. We concluded that the majority of people, even though they know what to do in an emergency, tend to panic and get "stuck". They are now offering classes to understand how to react when panic kicks in and as they say, one person who doesn't panic but has less knowledge is far more important than the one who knows all the medical procedures but has panicked and "froze". Many times people couldn't even give a proper address to the dispatch and that causes major delays and can potentially make a difference between life and death. If you have any of the classes close to you, please attend at least for a few hours, try to learn how to act under stress. If all fails, dial 911/112 and give as detailed info as possible, try to stay calm and listen for the instructions by the dispatch (they can direct your call to the doctor, firefighter, police officer or anything you might need help with).
Glen Ellyn 2 years ago
Reminds me of the time a co-worker passed out at her desk. I sat with her to make sure she didn't fall to the floor and get hurt while another worker called Security and asked for an ambulance. She was so panicked that she told them we're on the second floor. I immediately shouted, "No, not second! Third floor! Third floor!"
#54
Don't let your child ride on the lawn mower with you!
#55
Know how to swim before getting into a boat.
#56
Please people. If you have a severe fall, DO NOT MOVE. Even if you feel fine, there is still a chance that you have suffered spinal damage. If you are kept still until medical help arrives, you are in a much better chance of recovering. Only move if you are in immediate danger.
David Paterson 2 years ago
There's a limit. You need to attract attention as fast as possible. I know someone who had a fall and nobody knew for three days. If you don't move within about an hour then your body will seize up and you won't be able to move at all.
#57
If you ever encounter heavily burnt person running to you (They always run in the hope to survive), Don't touch them with your bare hands, your hands might be too hard for their burnt skin and flesh, always touch them with cloth or towel.
2 years ago
When bandaging a 3rd degree burn loosely wrap it with wet or damp cloth, if it hurts thats a good sign because that means less/no nerve damage
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
NEVER put ice on a burn - it causes tissue damage that interferes with healing. And, seven times never put butter on a burn!
#58
If you're in a car accident, especially a busy intersection/roadway, don't just get out; if your car is driveable, get it out of the roadway. If it's not driveable, get yourself out of the street ASAP. Can't count how many times I've almost been struck by drivers not paying attention or just not giving a s**t and driving fast past accident scenes.
A Nelson 2 years ago
I was hit by a drunk driver last week who flung me into oncoming traffic. I was hit again because my car was a giant paperweight. Then as good Samaritans tried to stop and help they were running out of the way to not get hit. At night, on the freeway, people just couldn't see it in time. Lucky the emergency vehicles showed up in 4 minutes to contain it. Long story short, you may be on an accident before any help arrives, slow down because you might make it worse.
Glen Ellyn 2 years ago
I witnessed a similar episode just this week - a crash at an intersection. I didn't see the crash but I heard it and ran to see if anyone needed help. One of the two lanes was sort of clear - there was some crash debris scattered around. I couldn't believe the number of drivers who didn't even slow down as they passed using the semi-clear lane - literally just a few feet from the crash victims, one on the edge of the road and the other, holding her young child next to their totaled car. What is wrong with people these days??
DelvianBlue 2 years ago (edited)
Great advice, but I'll add that if someone hits you, before you move your car or get out, take note of the make and model of the other car, get the license plate if you can, and take pictures if you can. I was in an accident once where a guy rear ended me and as soon as I moved my car out of the roadway he took off and left me. The police never caught him so I had to cover all the repair expenses out of my own pocket.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
A friend of mine's dad lost his leg after his car got a flat on the highway and he was hit by another car while on the side of the road trying to change the tire. :(
#59
ER MD here. If a person collapses and has a cardiac arrest, do not perform mouth to mouth. Just perform high quality chest compressions, continously, until EMS arrives. High quality chest compressions (100 per minute) and appropriate defibrillation are the only interventions that have been shown in the medical literature to lead to positive medical outcomes.
Ace 2 years ago
To breathe or not to breathe has been debated back and forth over recent years. No-one disagrees that the chest compressions are the most important, to retain good blood pressure to the brain, but many training organisations still advise doing mouth-to-mouth (or nose) if possible. particularly if you have a second person to help, where you should only need to stop the compressions for about a second. The logic behind the no-m2m advice is that the most crucial thing is to remove CO2 from the brain (more important than supplying oxygen to it) and the compressions will in any case cause some in-out air transfer on their own.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Yeah, 911 now does not tell you to give rescue breaths. They just instruct you to do chest compressions. Which is different from how I learned it in CPR certification, but that's probably easier when someone is in a panic.
Load More Replies... #60
Don't deny a heart attack.
#61
Don't tailgate! I've seen so many people tailgate that are one short break away from an accident. Have at least 3 seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you.
Rostit . 2 years ago
same here. I dont know how on earth anyone can measure seconds between cars. car lengths make far more sense.
Load More Replies... Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
I HATE tailgaters! They make me passive-aggressive
Load More Replies... Jill Bussey 2 years ago
"Only a fool breaks the two second rule." Leave two seconds between you and the vehicle in front. This works whatever speed you are doing, whilst leaving a x metre/feet space doesn't.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
Double this for when the road is wet, triple in a strong rain.
Load More Replies...
NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
Everyone thinks they have to be right behind the vehicle in front of them as though that few seconds will get them to their destination so much faster. People seem to not be able to handle not being the "lead" vehicle in quickly moving traffic, which seems to cause quite a lot of accidents. People tailgate then go around only to get directly in front and stay there. Just needing to be the lead driver. That is what's ridiculous. Or when you merge left to get around a slower vehicle and someone speeding flies up behind you, stuck to your bumper, in an attempt to "push" you to go faster, even if you are already a couple of miles above the speed limit. What is needed is more patience on the road, I guess.
I heart Boo-BI-es 2 years ago
I actually see things differently. I don't think most people are trying to be that lead driver just to be ahead of everyone, I think they may tailgate because you may be driving slower than they would like so once they pass you they should move back into the travel lane when not passing. As for one merging left to pass the cars in front of them, one should look over their shoulder before merging and judge that maybe that person is driving faster than you may want to go just wait for said person to pass you and then merge into the left passing lane. Btw would like to point out that driving in the left lane is prohibited unless you're passing slower traffic to the right. Just because you're driving 70mph in the passing lane and you feel like that's fast enough and you're not actively passing slower traffic and people are tailgating you that usually means they want to drive faster and one should move over. Sometimes being too patient/cautious is dangerous too.
Load More Replies... Ace 2 years ago
3 seconds is completely unrealistic in busy traffic. 2 seconds is more commonly recommended, but even that feels too far back for many drivers. If you have someone tailgating you make sure there's even more space between you and the car in front because you need enough reaction distance for two vehicles now.
NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
Why is it ridiculous? I can understand in a town setting where there isn't a huge amount of traffic and people are driving slowly, but on a highway or interstate, why would it be? A half second is why so many end up hitting the back of other vehicles. Just because everyone where you're from uses a half second doesn't mean it's correct.
Load More Replies... #62
Download the "what three words" app :) every location on the planet has a square and 3 words assigned to it. Helps emergency services find your location faster especially if you are in a difficult to find or vague area.
NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
Wait... I downloaded the app. But if I contact 911 and give them the 3 words, will they be able to use the words to locate me? Or do they have to have the app? Do all 911 services have the app? I have so many questions.
PandaGoPanda 2 years ago
Yes, no (web version too) and yes. It’s a good method.
Load More Replies... Jill Bussey 2 years ago
Yes. Yes. Yes. It's far more accurate than GPS, and this is from personal experience.
NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
If I had to rely on finding the latitude and longitude for any location on my phone I would die. I have no clue how to do that. :0
Ace 2 years ago (edited)
A little bit redundant in the age of almost universal GPS-enabled cell phones. You're going to use it to get the 3 words anyway, so why not just supply the GPS co-ords if you have them? Oh, and different places use different languages, so your 3 words may not mean much to someone in a different country.
Herringbone 2 years ago
It's available in over 50 languages, and you can opt to share the location in one different from your usual settings.
Load More Replies... #63
With a sucking chest wound (SCW), seal the front and back wounds so that no air can escape or be brought into the chest cavity. Remember air follows least resistance. & The hard band under the Adam's apple is where to cut for an emergency tracheotomy. A PEN DOES NOT WORK! Movie bs...
#64
Second responder here (Red Cross): Know how to put out grease fires, keep the appropriate extinguisher, pot lid, and wherewithal close at hand when cooking. We see so many fires where folks couldn't put out a grease fire before it jumped to *everything else.*.
#65
De-escalating physical confrontation.
MinDHertz 2 years ago
If in the confrontation, be logical. Agree to disagree and leave the situation. We all just want to get home at the end of the day. If observing a physical confrontation, let the proper authorities take care of it, if available. Just like another post said, remind yourself "Is this my emergency?" If it's not your family/friend in the situation, you may not have the whole story. Again, we all just want to get home to our loved ones.
Vermonta 2 years ago
Distraction. Yell fire, he's got a gun, here comes your mom. drop something like a soda in the hot zone. Some people lack strategy skills. If the confrontation is strangers, screw 'em.
Load More Replies... What do you think ?
Shannon Hawks 2 years ago
They can't all be number 1 , but they should be. Great advice that will probably save a life at some point
Poppy 2 years ago
The best one I can think of from working in an emergency control centre is speak normally when on the phone, listen and answer the questions asked. Shouting means we can't hear you, you getting flustered and going away from the phone delays help getting to you. Make sure you have an address or download the app What 3 Words to allow the emergency crews to find you. I've had kids on the phone that have done brilliantly when calling for help, they listen, they tell me what I need to know, they do what I ask them to do. Yet I've had full grown adults actually cause delays because they won't listen to what I'm aksing/telling them to do.
Frank Ropen 2 years ago
Hey. BoardPanda, is it a good idea to shorten a list of life saving tips?
Jerusalem Cat Syndrome 2 years ago (edited)
You know that you can see the rest of them by clicking on the original-count number, right? That the info isn't gone or hidden?
Load More Replies... Nancy Doughty 2 years ago
I especially liked blowing bubbles in the water and spitting into the snow both to determine which way is up.
TwirlyGirly 2 years ago
In this article's title ("30 First Responders Share Do’s And Don’ts In Dangerous Situations That Might Save Your Life") there should be NO apostrophe when pluralizing "Do". It's "Dos and Don'ts". There's an apostrophe in "don'ts" because the word is a contraction of the words "do nots", and the apostrophe takes the place of the letter "o" in "nots". "Dos" is not a contraction, nor is it possessive (only nouns have a possessive form - verbs do not). "Dos" is simply the plural form of the verb "do"
Irishwoman abroad 2 years ago
Some great advice here, but why are people rabbiting on about What3words? I've just read the reviews, and they're terrible! Just use Google maps to pinpoint where you are!
P.C. 2 years ago
Really? I checked an they have at 4.8 in star rating •-• did you only look at the bad reviews?
Load More Replies... Shannon Hawks 2 years ago
They can't all be number 1 , but they should be. Great advice that will probably save a life at some point
Poppy 2 years ago
The best one I can think of from working in an emergency control centre is speak normally when on the phone, listen and answer the questions asked. Shouting means we can't hear you, you getting flustered and going away from the phone delays help getting to you. Make sure you have an address or download the app What 3 Words to allow the emergency crews to find you. I've had kids on the phone that have done brilliantly when calling for help, they listen, they tell me what I need to know, they do what I ask them to do. Yet I've had full grown adults actually cause delays because they won't listen to what I'm aksing/telling them to do.
Frank Ropen 2 years ago
Hey. BoardPanda, is it a good idea to shorten a list of life saving tips?
Jerusalem Cat Syndrome 2 years ago (edited)
You know that you can see the rest of them by clicking on the original-count number, right? That the info isn't gone or hidden?
Load More Replies... Nancy Doughty 2 years ago
I especially liked blowing bubbles in the water and spitting into the snow both to determine which way is up.
TwirlyGirly 2 years ago
In this article's title ("30 First Responders Share Do’s And Don’ts In Dangerous Situations That Might Save Your Life") there should be NO apostrophe when pluralizing "Do". It's "Dos and Don'ts". There's an apostrophe in "don'ts" because the word is a contraction of the words "do nots", and the apostrophe takes the place of the letter "o" in "nots". "Dos" is not a contraction, nor is it possessive (only nouns have a possessive form - verbs do not). "Dos" is simply the plural form of the verb "do"
Irishwoman abroad 2 years ago
Some great advice here, but why are people rabbiting on about What3words? I've just read the reviews, and they're terrible! Just use Google maps to pinpoint where you are!
P.C. 2 years ago
Really? I checked an they have at 4.8 in star rating •-• did you only look at the bad reviews?
Load More Replies... You May Like 49 Body Things That Make People Panic But Are Totally Normal, According To Doctors “I Can’t Believe Other People Don’t Do This”: 43 People Share Their Best Life Hacks “Works Surprisingly Well”: 45 Psychological ‘Cheat Codes’ People Use In Social Situations And Swear They Work
Justinas Keturka
Jonas Žvilius
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Related on Bored Panda
