To Save A Life

Most of us will never be in a position where we have to be the ones to save someone's life. I don't think we realize how lucky we are. But, today I am thinking about the people who have chosen to do that for a living, save lives. Doctors, law enforcement, firemen and firewomen, medics, lifeguards, those serving in the military, the friend that talks someone out of suicide, and that stranger in the area who just started reacting.

They don't think, they just respond. That's their training. That's what they decided they wanted to do. Many go into it to save lives. They carry the weight with them emotionally when they couldn't save the life. But, they share the joy and relief when they can save the life.

Some people in law enforcement say "when most people run from the danger, we run towards it." They do it because they are thinking about saving as many lives as possible. The same thing is true for firemen and firewomen. We are told to run away from the fire. They run into it. Searching for lives that need saving.

Doctors are more mindful. They make recommendations for care. But, they are careful. Something could go wrong and they might need to save this patient's life. When a patient is coding, it's about reacting. It's about finding what happened and treating it. Because they fight hard to save a life.

Lifeguards have the burden of carrying that in their job title. Guarding lives. That's easier in some places then in others. But, they have the training to save lives. Because someday, they might have to save a life. Those in the military have a lot of ways they are saving lives. I don't know if there are that many people in the military not trained in how to save a life.

Shout out to the stranger who doesn't think just tries to save a life and the friend who talks down another friend from a suicide attempt. Saving lives takes many forms.

Courage
Empathy
Bravery
Mental Strength
Physical Strength
Training

That's what it takes to save a life. But, we all have some of that in us. Most people would at least try to save a life if they were the only ones around. Because that's the goal. To keep this person who needs help alive. At least until someone better trained arrives.

To save a life. Today I am thinking about doctors and nurses more then any other life savers. I pray God, their God, is over their shoulders guiding them as they do their jobs. I pray if something happens, they can save a life. I know they will use everything they have to save a life. I just hope they don't have to.

So today I offer hugs to anyone in the business of saving lives. I offer thanks for the character it takes to decide to do this for a living. I offer support for the times you couldn't save a life. I offer gratitude for the lives you have saved.

Heroes.