I've recently been thinking alot about how, as a nurse, one is supposed to handle injuries/medical situations in the public setting that may come up when one is "off the clock". I want to be helpful but I'm also concerned about liability and the appropriateness of it all.
For example, I was at a softball game one evening and a player took a hit to the face. All the other players and the coaches immediately rushed out to the field and seemed to be handling the situation appropriately (ice to injury, asking appropriate questions, assisting to seated position, etc) and ultimately sent him to the ER as a precaution. I just kind of hung out in the background monitoring it all and asked a question or two but, really, had no part it the process. They were doing everything I felt I would've have done anyway and I felt like I would have just be in the way.
What would you do if a situation like this or any medical situation came up in a public setting? Would you feel obligated to respond or give advice on what should be done whether or not you're asked to help?
