Redditor Gets Labelled A**hole For Refusing To Call 911 For Person Who Overdosed In Bathroom Where She Worked
"This post gave me heart palpitations!"
What would you do if you discovered someone had overdosed in the bathroom at your workplace? It's fair to say that you'd call 911 for help, right?
Well, for Reddit user u/SentencePrimary5569, the answer wasn't so clear-cut, and she recently shared her story in the r/AITA (Am I The A**hole?) subreddit. The OP explained that the store where she works doesn't actually have a phone; the staff just use their cell phones.
On this particular day, the OP was the only one with a phone because her co-worker had left hers in her car. It was just the two of them in the store at the time.
The OP's co-worker had gone for a bathroom break when she came running out, screaming for the OP to call 911. Someone had overdosed in the bathroom.
The OP told her co-worker to wait a moment while she went to get the Narcan from her purse. After giving the woman a sternum rub with no response, the OP administered the Narcan.
The woman responded well and woke up; however, she was furious and stormed out of the store. The OP's co-worker was hysterical and kept screaming for the Redditor to call 911 instead of letting the woman walk away.
The OP told her co-worker that paramedics would have done the exact same thing she did, only it would have taken longer. But the OP's colleague was upset that she didn't call for help in a medical emergency.
Now, the Redditor is stressed about getting in trouble with her boss and wondering if she was the a**hole here. Keep scrolling to see how people reacted.
The Redditor asked if she's an a**hole for not calling 911 for a person who overdosed.
Reddit/SentencePrimary5569The OP explained that the store where she works doesn't actually have a phone; the staff just use their cell phones.
The Impact of Bystander Effect in Emergencies
This incident raises critical questions about the bystander effect, a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help in an emergency when others are present. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a renowned emotion researcher, states, "In high-stress situations, the presence of others can lead to a paralysis of action, as individuals often assume someone else will step in." Her insights can be found on her professional website, lisafeldmanbarrett.com. This tendency can be particularly pronounced in high-stress environments where individuals may freeze or feel overwhelmed by the situation, inhibiting their ability to act.
On this particular day, the OP was the only one with a phone.
It was just the two of them in the store at the time.
Moreover, cognitive factors come into play during emergencies, as individuals often assess the situation based on social cues. A clinical psychologist explains that in ambiguous situations, people look to others for guidance, and if no one else acts, they may interpret the event as non-threatening, contributing to inaction.
Understanding this psychological dynamic can help individuals recognize their own responses in emergency situations, fostering a greater sense of personal responsibility.
The OP's co-worker had gone for a bathroom break when she came running out and screaming for the OP to call 911.
The OP told her co-worker to wait a moment while she went to get the Narcan from her purse.
Emotional Responses to Crisis Situations
In emergencies, emotional responses can often overshadow rational thought, leading to paralysis rather than action. Research in cognitive psychology indicates that heightened stress levels can impair decision-making abilities, causing individuals to revert to instinctual responses rather than logical reasoning.
Studies show that emotional dysregulation during crises is a common experience, which can result in feelings of guilt or shame afterward when reflecting on inaction.
After giving the woman a sternum rub with no response, the OP administered the Narcan.
The woman responded well and woke up; however, she was furious and stormed out of the store.
To counteract these tendencies, training in first aid and emergency response can empower individuals to take action when faced with crises. Experts recommend participating in workshops that simulate emergency scenarios, which can build confidence and reduce the likelihood of freezing up during real-life situations.
Additionally, fostering a proactive mindset that encourages seeking help when witnessing a crisis can enhance community resilience and responsiveness.
The OP's co-worker was hysterical and kept screaming for the Redditor to call 911.
The OP told her co-worker that paramedics would have done the exact same thing she did, only it would have taken longer.
The Role of Guilt and Shame in Decision Making
This scenario also highlights how feelings of guilt and shame can influence future decision-making processes. Individuals who hesitate to act in emergencies may experience lingering emotional consequences, which can affect their self-esteem and willingness to engage in similar situations in the future. According to Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, "Avoidance can lead to a cycle where individuals feel increasingly disconnected from their values and responsibilities." This aligns with her research indicating that such feelings can create a cycle of avoidance, where individuals shy away from situations that might trigger similar emotional discomfort.
But the OP's colleague was upset that she didn't call for help in a medical emergency.
Now, the Redditor is stressed about getting in trouble with her boss and wondering if she was the a**hole here.
Addressing guilt involves reframing the narrative surrounding inaction. Experts suggest focusing on learning from the experience rather than assigning blame, which can facilitate personal growth and resilience in the face of future emergencies.
Participating in discussions about what could have been done differently can also help individuals process their feelings and develop a more constructive approach to crisis situations in the future.
Here's how people reacted.
Reddit/-pigeionnoegip
YTA.
Reddit/Shoddy-Commission-12
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the OP did the wrong thing by not calling for help, or was it enough that she administered Narcan to the woman?
As always, we would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
"Narcan wears off."
Reddit/Jazzylizard19
"Your co-worker should absolutely report you!"
Reddit/sheramom4
"You should have called for everyone's safety."
Reddit/PaleBumblebee8556
Take it from a paramedic!
Reddit/blazekurosaki
"There is a real possibility of a person re-overdosing."
Reddit/Diligent_Extent_7009
It should have been reported.
Reddit/WebAcceptable7932
"Why do you have Narcan in your purse if you don't know how to use it?"
Reddit/Rooney_Tuesday
"This post gave me heart palpitations!"
Reddit/tinyahjumma
Psychological Analysis
This behavior illustrates a common response to crisis situations, where emotional overwhelm can lead to inaction. Recognizing these patterns can help individuals prepare mentally for emergencies, reinforcing the importance of training and community engagement.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Understanding the psychological mechanisms at play during emergencies can help individuals become more effective bystanders. As noted by trauma specialists, developing awareness of these dynamics is crucial for fostering a culture of responsiveness in our communities.
By addressing emotional responses and encouraging proactive engagement, we can empower individuals to act in ways that promote safety and support in critical situations.
