Today I have CPR to a stranger

[Summer135]

One of the worst experiences of my life. It didn't end well but we did everything we could and acted fast. I can't stop thinking about it and what he looked like lying there. I don't know how to feel. I'm having a gin and trying not to over think things. I just happened to be a walker passing by.

First response team are amazing people. I don't know how they do their jobs daily but they are superhero's without the capes.

It's weird how you quickly become part of a situation you never thought you would be in and then it doesn't end well and after you just have walk off and carry on.

I know I'm not the first and definitely not the last to help someone. It's definitely worth googling first aid if you have no idea how to do it. I'm lucky enough to be trained, however in that situation it really puts you to the test.

I don't know how I feel tonight but needed to write it down!!!!

Massive well done for trying.

It’s a first response for not many, we don’t think about anything more than the situation here and now. It’s a selfless act which you then have to deal with afterwards

Be kind to yourself and don’t be afraid to let others know you aren’t ok tomorrow or the next few days, give yourself time to recover.

Thank you. First up.

Secondly, did anyone take any details? I know there are debriefs for emergency services and pretty sure I have seen them reach out to members of the public before also. It is a massive deal. Be kind to yourself.

You are amazing btw.

You did something and that's better than doing nothing. You tried and you will probably be in shock now. Sending huge hugs x

First response team are amazing people. I don't know how they do their jobs daily but they are superhero's without the capes

YOU are an amazing person. You are a superhero without a cape.

You did everything you could, you were brave in a situation where many would panic.

Take care

Well done. You did more than most would have.

The success rate of CPR is depressingly bad even when carried out in hospital by trained specialists.

You did well. Be proud.

My close friend lost her husband 2 years ago. A mum I knew on the school run was a matron and tried for a long time, with another nurse, to revive him (this happened at school). He was brought back but later died but his organs were used. I know his wife was SO very grateful that someone was there to try and help him. It was a huge consolation to her that all was tried, I know it didn’t help but imagine wondering ‘what if’. I think you’ve taken that awful thought away from someone so please, please be kind to yourself. It must be awful but I’m sure you’ve helped someone in this. I do hope you come to terms with all this.

Well done. Just because the person was beyond help, this doesn't devalue what you did, which was try to give life to someone.
Be kind to yourself in the next few days, you must be feeling very traumatised.

Well done OP for stepping in and helping, and not shying away into the background. Unfortunately the chances of someone surviving and out of hospital cardiac arrest are much slimmer than most people realise- even if early CPR is started.

Were any family of the victim nearby when you were doing this? Even though it didnt work in the end, any family watching will know that someone did something to help. To them, this can in a tiny way be comforting that 'something' was done to help, rather than nothing at all.

It is a shock, and you will replay this event in your mind over and over. What did I do, should I have done this, what if I'd done that this way etc etc . This is normal, but can equally be very stressful on you. If you feel the thoughts are taking over and stopping you from getting back to everyday life, speak to you GP about talking to a counsellor about the events. you did a great job OP xxx

A stranger gave CPR to my DC in an unsuccessful bid to save their life. I never thanked them as it was a confusing and chaotic time but, strangely, I think of them often and am so grateful they tried so hard. I wish I could thank them and hope they're OK. So thank YOU and I hope you're OK

I really do understand where you are coming from.
I was a passer by at the scene of a RTA and still have a far too vivid recall of the scene. She was dying.
I held her hand and talked to her, and was so grateful when the ‘professionals’ arrived.

Well done OP, it's horrible that it didn't end well but at least you tried to help, I'm sure his family will be very grateful that you did everything you could. A lot of people would have been too worried to get involved

And please look after yourself, it must be quite traumatic

Good on you! Many folk would have walked on by. You did your very best. RIP to the man, I’m sure his family will be upset but still be comforted that someone tried to help.

Thank you so much for all your lovely and supportive comments. It's just a strange feeling and emotions of what happened today.

I think I did what most people would do. I could see a man who needed help. And if that was one of my family members I really hope someone would do the same.

I think I am quite shaken up but if doesn't feel that way yet. I've never been near a situation like that before, but something took over that I needed to stay calm and just try my best.

I'm sorry to hear some of your loved ones passed away in a similar situation but I am glad someone was there to try and help them too, even if the outcome wasn't good.

I have good friends that I can talk to, but tonight I have found it easier just texting it down! (I don't know why).

I will be fine and I will talk when I feel like I need to.

But it really puts things into perspective when you see someone struggling for life and isn't even that old.

Enjoy life. You only get one go at it. I know I will try my best to XXX

Well done. The family will know that everything was done. And that he did not die alone. Do not underestimate the importance of that. Look after yourself.

Thank you. Sometimes in these situations people just walk by. You did all you could, and that should provide some comfort to their family.
A big hug to you. Enjoy your gin x

Statistically the odds were against you but bloody well done for trying.

Be kind to yourself. Most of the time we don't think about death even though it's only a whisker away for any of us. Makes you think when something like that happens. You did everything you could.

Thank you so much for doing everything that you could. You are amazing. You gave him a chance.

Well done for being there.
A family member was recently saved by someone who performed CPR. So thank you to you and anyone who tries. Thank you.
Make sure that you get some kind of help to reflect on what happened.
As a nurse also, thank you.

Thank-you! (A hero without a cape)

You tried your best. The world needs kind people willing to help a stranger.

You will be forever remembered by that family that you gavr your time and tired.

You done an amazing thing by trying to help them. Well done for stepping in.

Agree with pp, thank you for trying so hard. Also, just in case it gives you a bit of comfort, I'm a trained lifeguard and first responder. As part of our training we've been taught that, no matter how well you deliver CPR, the odds are really stacked against the patient - essentially they are already dead, I'm afraid. Even with early intervention and a defib, the percentage chances aren't that great. So please, please don't feel in any way guilty that they didn't survive. First aid professionals actually often have counselling offered to them after an event like this, because it can be so upsetting. You've been unlucky as a member of the public passing by in that you haven't had that support and follow up. It's not at all surprising that you're shocked and upset - be kind to yourself and ask other people to be kind to you. You deserve it - you stepped up when a lot of people wouldn't or couldn't. As a result that person's relatives will never have to wonder "what if someone had tried CPR?" - they'll know nothing could have been done. And that's a comfort and a closure you will have given them.

Well done. As a volunteer first responder with lots of ambulance friends it is such a relief to turn up to a job like this and find someone able to help with the cpr while we get on with the other stuff. It’s normal to want to share and to relive the experience lots of times but do contact your gp for support if you feel you’re not processing it well in a few days time.

Please pm if you want to talk details or ask questions.

You are absoultely amazing for trying your hardest to save this gentleman. Make sure you have support and someone to speak to. I stopped at a car accident once where gentleman sadly had a heart attack at the wheel, he unfortunately passed away the next day but always remember that night. Hope your ok xxx

You did what you could and it took tremendous courage.