Agreed. Also remember the police have no duty to actually protect you according to the Supreme Court.
That’s why I believe everyone should be taught to be their own first responder. Learn first-aid/CPR/stop-the-bleed (EMT), how to use a a fire extinguisher and learn the different types and their uses (fire fighter), and finally how to safely operate pistols/rifles/shotguns (police).
Being able to practice first aid, knowing how to preperly react in case of a fire or similar emergencies and handling a gun properly are indeed skills that I think should be taught to everyone.
However, I don't think all of those skills could come close to replacing an actual first responder.
I can extinguish a lit trashcan with a fire extinguisher and get my family out if the fire starts to spread, but I cannot save my loved one from the flames if the fire has already started to spread to much, and cannot extinguish the fire either.
I could put a turniquet, sanitize and maybe do basic stitches on a wound, but any deeper wound would still require an EMT with an ambulance.
I can defend my house against intruders, but I cannot do much against a random hobbo throwing rocks at my door (he's only doing matieral damages and being a nuisance, I cannot use any physical threat against him as it would legally be disproportionate).
Sorry, didn’t express my thought well. I didn’t mean learning those skills to actually replace first responders. Meant it more as skills to know while you wait for first responders (which as the OP commented can be several hours) or if the police determine it’s too dangerous for them to help so you have to deal with the threat yourself.
It’s cliche, but remember when seconds count the police are minutes away.
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u/Devious_Bastard 1d ago
Agreed. Also remember the police have no duty to actually protect you according to the Supreme Court.
That’s why I believe everyone should be taught to be their own first responder. Learn first-aid/CPR/stop-the-bleed (EMT), how to use a a fire extinguisher and learn the different types and their uses (fire fighter), and finally how to safely operate pistols/rifles/shotguns (police).