2019-11-01 Real Simple

IT WOULD BE NICE to think that

in a health emergency—a man at

the next table starts choking on

his sushi, a woman in the elevator

goes into labor—you’d swoop in

like a superhero, giving aid until

the EMTs arrive. But your first

reaction may actually be, “I was an

English/music/accounting major!

What do I know about medicine?”

“Anyone can step in and help

out. You just need the willingness

and confidence to do it,” says

Jonathan Epstein, a paramedic

and the senior director of science,

industry, and government rela-

tions for American Red Cross

Training Services. Many people

are hesitant to help, Epstein

points out, because they’re afraid

of being sued or of accidentally

doing something to make the

situation worse. “Good Samaritan

laws in all 50 states help protect

you even if you make a simple

mistake, as long as you’re acting

with good intentions,” he says.

At the very least, call 911 imme-

diately and make sure the person

is in a safe position. With some

extra knowledge, you can make a

big difference, and in many cases

even save a life. Here’s what to

know in six emergency situations

so you can take confident action.

6 Health Skills You’ll

Be Glad to Have

THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL,

BUT IF YOU’RE FIRST ON THE SCENE, SOME BASIC

KNOWLEDGE CAN HELP YOU SAVE THE DAY.

By Marisa Cohen

Illustrations by Jasu Hu NOVEMBER 2019 REAL SIMPLE 97

BALANCE