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Eiric, You have no fear of death because you believe in reincarnation. Why bother saving someone if you know they are about to get another shot?
Swanny, I too am in public safety and receive some of the same basic training you do. One thing we hear often is the old saw: Risk a little to save a little. Risk a lot to save a lot. I have risked a lot on a number of occasions but as yet have not been put to the real test. I know I am prepared by training and I know I am willing but I will not know for sure until the situation presents itself. Have you seen the helmet sticker on some firefighters...No Fear? I am looking for one that says...Scared Shitless.
"Have you seen the helmet sticker on some firefighters...No Fear? I am looking for one that says...Scared Shitless."
I'd want you riding backwards on my truck. Some of the stuff we do, if you're not scared, you're either a liar or dumber than a box of rocks. Either one can get guys killed on the fireground.
I've had extensive training in a number of SAR specialties, and was always taught that the #1 Rule of Search & Rescue is that at the end of the day, everyone in my company is going home to their wife and kids; NO EXCEPTIONS! I'm also a piper; as anyone who's ever attended a LOD funeral knows, you have a solumn duty to your family and your engine company to never make them suffer through that.
The priority on a rescue is: first: my team second: all other responders on scene dead last: the victim
The corollary to the First Rule of SAR is "it doesn't do the victim any good to simply bring more victims to the scene." If anyone goes down during an evolution; fire, rescue, EMS, or police, all rescue efforts cease and all assets immediately focus on ensuring the safety and survival of the fallen responder; the original victim is left hanging in the wind until that is accomplished.
And yeah, we don't leave any of our own behind. Please don't make your brothers dig through the smoking rubble to find you, or make your wife have to answer that knock at the door.
If it's a loved one (family, close friend, etc.), then yes, in a heartbeat. Otherwise, depends on the situation and the who.
Couldn't agree more. I feel that there are more situations where I would risk my life to save another than not, so I answer the original question with an affirmative.
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Näkemiin
Dave (SCA: Geoffrey Genour of Carney) Protector of Bits and Bytes, Third cousin once removed to Phil, Prince of Insufficient Light
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Eiric, You have no fear of death because you believe in reincarnation. Why bother saving someone if you know they are about to get another shot?
Whoa! I never thought about it like that!!
SB
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"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king..."
Eiric, You have no fear of death because you believe in reincarnation. Why bother saving someone if you know they are about to get another shot?
Swanny, I too am in public safety and receive some of the same basic training you do. One thing we hear often is the old saw: Risk a little to save a little. Risk a lot to save a lot. I have risked a lot on a number of occasions but as yet have not been put to the real test. I know I am prepared by training and I know I am willing but I will not know for sure until the situation presents itself. Have you seen the helmet sticker on some firefighters...No Fear? I am looking for one that says...Scared Shitless.
I have never thought of it like that either! Very good point..
Have you seen the helmet sticker on some firefighters...No Fear? I am looking for one that says...Scared Shitless.
Fear is God's way of telling you that you are in way over your head.
Any emergency service worker who tells you s/he's never been afraid is either a liar or a fool and I really don't want such people on my scene. Liars and fools will kill you, usually by accident - but dead nonetheless.
Even more scary are wannabe heros. Anyone who is "willing to sacrifice his/her life for others" just makes our jobs more complicated. More often than not they become victims, and each additional victim on an emergency scene requires resources that aren't always readily available.
Folks - There is a very fine line between being a "hero" and being an empty lifeless corpse. If you want to be a "hero" please put your time and effort where your words, and your heart is. Nearly every volunteer fire department, EMS unit, and reserve police department in the U.S. NEEDS new recruits. Join up, get the training, learn your job, and lend a hand SAFELY.
How's THAT for a shameless plug?
Swanny
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"You can't run with the big dogs if you still pee like a puppy".
Wow, I guess I'm the only one who said no to this poll.
I wouldn't sacrifice my life to save someone else because I have a lot of life left to live. I'm only 23 years old, I'm not going to throw my life away simply so someone else might live.
I suppose I'm making the same distinction many have been saying throughout the thread. I would certainly risk my life to save another. I would make a gamble. But if I knew I was going to die if I saved the person's life, I wouldn't do it. I suppose I'm just not the type to throw myself on the grenade. I'd try to throw it back.
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May those who love us love us And those who don't love us May God turn their hearts, And if He doesn't turn their hearts, May He turn their ankles, So we'll know them by their limping.
If my child's life was at stake and I had already lived a good life and they had all their life ahead of them, then yes, I would give my life for them.
But...
I'm not going to throw my life away simply so someone else might live. I'm only 28 yrs old.