Bystander Effect

A few weeks ago, I helped give CPR to a man. But I almost didn’t.

My wife and I were on our way home from church when we came upon a couple of cars stalled in one of the lanes of traffic. A few people were trying to get the attention of the man in the car at the front. As we drove by, I could see that the guy looked passed out in the driver’s seat. He was obviously having some type of medical emergency. Cars were starting to back up and I kept driving. I assumed that the people already on the scene had the situations handled and I would only get in the way.

As I drove away, my wife, knowing that I have first responder training from my time in the military, turned to me and told me if that was me or her dad in the car, she would want someone like me to stop. She was right.

I turned around and sped back to the scene. The people on the scene had gotten the guy out of the car by smashing one of the windows and started chest compressions. I knelt beside the man’s head as he laid on the cold asphalt. His face was an ashy blue color.

I knew that the best role that I could play was to keep his airway clear and monitor his pulse. I could tell there was something in his mouth, so I stuck my finger in a fish hook style and started to clear some food from his throat. I did this several times as more food came up with each chest compression. His pulse was extremely weak and at times I struggled to find the hint of it.

The ambulance and police were still not there but a guy showed up with an AED. I had seen them in training and knew how to use them but never saw one used in a real situation. The AED delivered one initial shock to the guy and then the ambulance and police showed up and took over.

I went back to my car where my wife and kids were still waiting. It was very surreal driving back home and thinking about what I just experienced. As we drove, my wife and I prayed for the guy.

When I left the guy laying on the ground, it did not look good for him. I heard through the grapevine that is Facebook that the guy worked at Home Depot. Wanting to know his status, I went there and spoke to a manager. They did not know much other than that he was in the hospital and was without oxygen for a significant amount of time.

I continued to check in at Home Depot every day for the next week and thankfully, the news got better and better. I was told he had a massive heart attack and had a few stents put in. A few days letter they said he was sitting up and laughing. I just learned last week that he is now back at work.

I played a minimal role in this situation. However, I write this to you because I was first inflicted with what is known as the “bystander effect.” Those that have taken psychology courses have heard of it. I was not going to take action because I falsely assumed that others would. I was also impacted by what is known as diffusion of responsibility which causes one’s mind to lessen their moral obligation in situations like this.

My message to you, don’t automatically assume that others have a situation handled. You can make a difference.