I think that it would depend on the situation and who I'd be trying to save. Equally important for my decision is to consider if it's worth my children growing up without a mother. Maybe that sounds selfish, but that would definitely factor in.
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| Celtic Radio Community > Philosophy & Science > Would You Sacrifice Your Life For Another? |
| Posted by: MDF3530 14-Dec-2004, 12:07 AM |
| This is a question I've been asking myself for years. I would have to say yes. |
| Posted by: Irish Stepper 14-Dec-2004, 01:00 AM |
| That's a very weighted question for this early in the morning. I think that it would depend on the situation and who I'd be trying to save. Equally important for my decision is to consider if it's worth my children growing up without a mother. Maybe that sounds selfish, but that would definitely factor in. |
| Posted by: Madadh 14-Dec-2004, 04:48 AM |
| It is the one question that most ask and hope their answer is never put to the test. Some jobs give one more of a chance to test this. Lets hope that you never get a chance to put your answer to the test and find yourself lacking. |
| Posted by: Rindy1202 14-Dec-2004, 09:42 AM |
I have no doubts about it. My biggest fear would be what if I failed, not sure I could live with that one.  |
| Posted by: Aragorn 14-Dec-2004, 09:59 AM |
| Yes, I would. When I was in the Army for 5 years I would have taken a bullet for any American out there. I would not limit this now to just Americans. I also believe it would be situational and depending on the circumstances. My answer is still yes. |
| Posted by: freekenny 14-Dec-2004, 11:15 AM |
| O'siyo, ~ Wow! What a 'heavy' question I have asked this question as well as been asked this very question, and without hesitation, I would say YES!  If the situation ever arose, there must be a 'reason' for it, and I would be honoured to give my life so that another may live..life sure can be 'crazy' eh?  ~~Sty-U  |
| Posted by: Ceciliastar1 14-Dec-2004, 11:25 AM |
| I sais yes. I think most of us would answer that question as yes especially if you have children or a very close loved one. There are a lot of Christains who would die for their God...I'm not at that point yet, but I do know that if I had to save Ryan's life I would gladly die. If I had children, there is no way my life would get in the way of them staying alive to become great people. I'm rambling. Obviously I've never been in the situation, but I like to think that if I had to I would be able to. Freekenny put it perfectly. |
| Posted by: oldraven 09-Feb-2005, 12:11 PM |
| Yes, though I can't say that for just anyone. I'd risk my life for anybody, but I'll only give my life for a few. |
| Posted by: gaberlunzie 13-Mar-2005, 12:18 PM | ||
This is an interesting and important distinction you made, oldraven and I can follow it. I answered this question with "YES" because I truely believe that if I ever came into the situation that giving my life would save another one or more this would be the path which was meant for me and I would see it as an honor to do so. I know I echoed Freekenny's answer...because I feel and believe exactly the same way. |
| Posted by: Swanny 17-Mar-2005, 09:23 PM |
| I cast a "null vote" in this poll due to the wording of the poll. Over the course of my career (I am a paramedic cross-trained in both fire service and law enforcement) I have RISKED my life for others several times, but obviously have not "sacrificed" it. My feeling is that self respect demands that I respect my own life as much as I do the lives of others and years of training and experience allow me to assess the risks of a situation, accept the risks of a situation, and take action when the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks. Swanny |
| Posted by: Eiric 12-May-2005, 06:06 AM |
| Yes I would, since I believe in reincarnation I have no fear for death, hence I would give my life to someone who faced death |
| Posted by: Siobhan Blues 09-Jun-2005, 11:40 AM |
| I would give my life for another... my children come to mind first. I had no idea the love for a child could be so strong until my son was born. This willingness to do anything to protect him just bubbled to the surface, it was such an intense feeling too. SB (a mama tiger at heart!)  |
| Posted by: stevenpd 09-Jun-2005, 12:59 PM | ||
Spoken like a true Objectivist. |
| Posted by: erickbloodax 09-Jun-2005, 06:42 PM |
| James P. Epling Date of Birth: March 9, 1979 Began at INS: January 13, 2003 TITLE: Border Patrol Agent Date Died: December 16, 2003 DETAILS: On December 16, 2003, at approximately 7 p.m., Border Patrol Agent James P. Epling was reported missing after responding to sensor activity along the Colorado River near Andrade, California. Agent Epling had apprehended two Chinese illegal immigrants and had rescued a Chinese illegal immigrant from drowning in the Colorado River. Agent Epling was attempting to apprehend other illegal immigrants along the river when he suddenly disappeared. A massive rescue operation by Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue teams, as well as multiple local, state, Federal, tribal, and foreign agencies, was immediately initiated. This response and coordinated rescue effort continued for 3 days. On December 19, 2003, at approximately 7:15 p.m., with the aid of an underwater camera, Agent Epling's body was located 29 feet deep in the Colorado River. He was approximately 200 yards from where it was believed he initially disappeared. An investigation revealed that Agent Epling had died as a result of accidental drowning. Agent Epling was 24 years old and was a graduate of the 537th session of the Border Patrol Academy. On January 28, 2004, James Paul Epling II was born. |
| Posted by: Siobhan Blues 13-Jun-2005, 12:06 PM |
| Oh, how sad that he didn't live to see his child born! He was so young himself... SB |
| Posted by: Fiddler 25-Jun-2005, 05:16 AM |
| 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.  |
| Posted by: Emmet 25-Jun-2005, 06:19 AM |
| "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. |
| Posted by: TheCarolinaScotsman 25-Jun-2005, 06:25 AM |
| If it's a loved one (family, close friend, etc.), then yes, in a heartbeat. Otherwise, depends on the situation and the who. |
| Posted by: dfilpus 25-Jun-2005, 10:47 AM | ||
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. |
| Posted by: Siobhan Blues 25-Jun-2005, 05:35 PM | ||
 Whoa! I never thought about it like that!! SB |
| Posted by: Rindy1202 25-Jun-2005, 06:00 PM | ||
I have never thought of it like that either! Very good point..  |
| Posted by: Swanny 18-Jul-2005, 09:40 AM | ||
 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 |
| Posted by: CelticCoalition 18-Jul-2005, 10:04 AM |
| 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. |
| Posted by: CelticMaestrais 18-Jul-2005, 01:20 PM |
| It would all depend on the context. 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. |
| Posted by: sorbus 09-Aug-2005, 02:14 AM |
| Any Parent worth his salt would sacrifice him or herself for their Child even though they are pain s inthe buttocks   |