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.

• Read More: 30 First Responders Share Do’s And Don’ts In Dangerous Situations That Might Save Your Life

#1

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.

Image credits: TransportationOk2238

#2

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.

Image credits: CDC_

#3

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.

Image credits: justneedadvice87

#4

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.

Image credits: Knarren

#5

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.

#6

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.

Image credits: RangerDangerfield

#7

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.

Image credits: merrywidow14

#8

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."

Image credits: ForswornForSwearing

#9

Don’t put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure, protect their head and let them seize. 

Image credits: MrFunnything9

#10

Have your address clearly marked & lit so responders can get to you quickly... every second counts.

Image credits: Ten7850

#11

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.

Image credits: BR_GTX

#12

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.

Image credits: No-Performance2445

#13

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.

Image credits: classless_classic

#14

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.

Image credits: satanic-entomologist

#15

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.

Image credits: Personalberet49

#16

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.

Image credits: jfire777

#17

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)

Image credits: readitpaige