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Tried to help someone yesterday. What should I have done?

2 replies

Trophyfoot · 25/03/2024 14:00

I was running a half marathon, but using it as part of a longer (slow) training run, so not struggling or bothered about my time. Running with a friend.

With about 5 miles to go we came across a woman staggering all over the road. I spoke to her, offered an energy gel, which she said she'd just had, walked with her for a bit. Suggested she stopped for a moment, but she said she was determined to finish as she was doing it for charity, her dad in whose memory she was running, would be disappointed in her.

I told her he'd be proud she tried and she could finish next time. Dad would want her to be safe etc. Still she kept trying. By this point I'm holding her hand and arm just so she didn't fall and hit her head. Then she did collapse and we sat at the side of the road. Someone from a house nearby brought her water. Then she lost consciousness, but I could rouse her ny helping her sit up. This happened a few times.

By this point someone from her own club had arrived and my friend was wanting to continue. I checked with her friend he was going to stay with her, which he was, so we carried on with our run. At the time I thought I'd tell the nearest marshal help was needed, but we didn't see one for ages.

I feel bad, but what should I have done? Stayed with them? Asked the nearby house to call an ambulance? I honestly don't know if she needed that.

OP posts:
FusionChefGeoff · 25/03/2024 14:06

If there was someone else with her, who knew her better and that the nearby house was aware she was there I don't think you could have added much.

Poshjock · 25/03/2024 14:32

It was wonderful of you to stop and she was left with other responsible people who I am sure dealt with it appropriately.

In this situation I would have alerted a steward as there is usually dedicated medical assistance at these events.

A colleague of mine did exactly this in an effort to complete the event. He ended up in hospital for many days after having caused Acute Kidney Injury. He is a young fit guy and also a medic so absolutely should have known better! It shows how easy it is to be swept up in the moment though.

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