Today, something happened that I’ll never forget. It started like a normal day as I was walking to school, but things quickly turned chaotic. Let me tell you about it.

I was crossing the street near the corner café when I heard a deafening crash. Two cars collided at the intersection, and another skidded into a parked motorcycle. One of the cars caught fire immediately. People were screaming, running in every direction, and the smell of burning rubber filled the air.

For a moment, I froze. Then I remembered what my father always says: “Stay calm; panicking helps no one.” I took a deep breath and focused. I stayed on the sidewalk and looked around. The burning car was the most immediate danger, so I made sure to keep my distance. I noticed a woman trapped in the car closest to the fire and a man lying on the road, bleeding from his forehead. Another driver stumbled out of his car, dazed but walking.

Once I made the call, I knew I could do more. The burning car was too dangerous, but the bleeding man was close by. Another bystander was already approaching him, so I shouted: “Don’t move him! Check if he’s breathing first!” The man nodded and followed my instructions.

I told another bystander, “Help the dazed driver sit down. He might have a head injury.”

I focused on the bleeding man because he looked like he needed immediate care. I grabbed a scarf from my bag and told the bystander, “Press this on his forehead to slow the bleeding.” I checked his pulse and breathing. It was weak but steady.

By now, flames from the burning car were spreading. The woman inside was still trapped, and a man tried to open her door. I shouted: “Stop! It’s not safe! The firefighters are on their way!” The man hesitated, but I convinced him to step back.

In minutes (which felt like hours), the fire truck and ambulances arrived. The firefighters immediately tackled the flames, while paramedics rushed to the injured. I stayed nearby to answer their questions and pointed out the trapped woman and bleeding man.

What I Learned Today

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Scene: Jumping in without thinking can make things worse.
2. Call for Help: Be clear and concise—what, where, how many, and what’s needed.
3. Avoid Further Risk: Your safety comes first; you can’t help others if you get hurt.
4. Prioritize: Help those who need immediate care, but don’t move anyone unless it’s life-threatening.
5. Work as a Team: Bystanders can help if guided calmly.

I hope I’ll never witness something like this again, but if I do, I know I can handle it. Today reminded me why I want to become a doctor. I want to be ready to help in any situation.

Goodnight, Diary.

Angel

• Have you ever witnessed an accident or an emergency situation? How did you feel, and what did you do?
• If you were in Angel’s place, what would be the first thing you’d do when seeing multiple people in danger?
• Have you ever had to call emergency services? What information would you share to ensure help arrives quickly?
• How do you think you’d decide who to help first in an emergency with multiple injured people?
• Have you ever seen others panic in a crisis? What advice would you give them to stay calm and focused?
• Why do you think it’s important to check for risks, like fire or unsafe surroundings, before helping someone?