Just curious how other nurses deal with medical emergencies in public when they’re not on-the-clock. For instance if you come across a stranger who has fainted, had a seizure, broken a bone, etc. Do you rush to the scene and help, or call for help? Do you utilize your nursing skills? I’m also curious about car accidents. Do you stop? I’ve luckily never seen one, and have only been in minor accidents myself.
I was on an airplane recently where the flight attendants asked if there were any doctors or nurses on board to aid to a passenger. Luckily a few people including a few doctors were able to help out.
I’m a newer nurse and don’t have any sort of emergency experience. Emergency or critical care is not my strong suit; in fact, it makes me highly anxious. I’ve never experienced any kind of emergencies in public, and am not sure I would know how to handle it. This got me thinking and was wondering what other nurses do when they encounter these situations? Are we legally obligated to let people know that we’re nurses and help out?
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Above being said I did stop at an accident a few years ago that happened literally in front of me. one Ricky rescue almost got hit putting out flares. There were small children in the hit car and mom was frantically trying to pull them out. Kids had airbag burns so I helped to rinse them off and got them to safety handed off to the paramedics when they arrived. Gave my business card to the cops in case they needed a witness statement and took off.
hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I
4 Articles; 5,212 Posts
Above being said I did stop at an accident a few years ago that happened literally in front of me. one Ricky rescue almost got hit putting out flares. There were small children in the hit car and mom was frantically trying to pull them out. Kids had airbag burns so I helped to rinse them off and got them to safety handed off to the paramedics when they arrived. Gave my business card to the cops in case they needed a witness statement and took off.
Hppy