Why bystanders often record medical emergencies instead of helping

DURING medical emergencies, it’s common for bystanders or witnesses to feel helpless. The common fight-or-flight response can get triggered in most people, resulting in a spike of adrenaline or a feeling of panic. Unfortunately, another common reaction to witnessing emergencies is for bystanders to take their phones out and start video recording the scene.

While this can be helpful in some cases, such as in court where footage may be required to discern a guilty party, the person who is injured during the emergency often misses out on immediate medical intervention. Knowing what to do and how to respond during a medical emergency is crucial, as it could just be what saves someone’s life.

Navesh Singh, the Regional Manager: Coastal Region at ER24, said emergency cases generally fell into two broad categories.

“Trauma emergencies involve physical injuries caused by external forces, such as motor vehicle accidents or serious falls,” said Singh. 

“Medical emergencies, on the other hand, relate to sudden or critical medical conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, or asthma attacks.”

The most common emergencies seen by EMS providers, said Singh were: 

- Cardiac events, such as heart attacks, chest pain and cardiac arrest account for a large portion of EMS callouts. “One in four South Africans lives with hypertension, with roughly 110 deaths a day linked to heart-related illnesses,” says Singh. “These figures highlight just how crucial early intervention and awareness can be.”

- Respiratory emergencies, which include asthma attacks, choking incidents and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can escalate quickly. “South Africa has one of the highest asthma-related death rates globally. In many cases, these deaths are preventable if people have the right medication and those around them know how to respond.”

- Trauma-related cases rise sharply during the festive season as road congestion increases. Over the 2024-2025 festive period, 1 502 people lost their lives in road crashes – a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year. “We see a predictable spike in collisions every December. Fatigue, alcohol use and poor road conditions all contribute. EMS teams are often stretched thin dealing with multiple incidents at once.”

- Neurological emergencies such as strokes, seizures and head injuries are also prevalent. Studies show that for every minute a stroke goes untreated, an individual can lose up to 1.9 million brain cells – reinforcing the need for immediate action.

Singh said regardless of the emergency, the public’s role in those first few minutes was vital.

“The actions taken, like calling for help immediately, and providing basic first aid or CPR before professionals arrive often determine outcomes.”

SA's emergency response reality

Every second counts in a medical emergency. Whether it’s a heart attack at home, a serious car accident en route to your holiday destination, or a workplace injury, knowing how to respond before professional help arrives can mean the difference between life and death.

“Unfortunately, requesting medical support is not as simple as calling an ambulance, as emergency medical service (EMS) crews also have to navigate issues such as traffic congestion, long distances to access rural communities and potential crime, which can result in delays in arriving at the medical emergency they have been called to. This makes it exceptionally important for everyday South Africans to know how to respond until help arrives,” added Singh.  

Despite these challenges, EMS providers continue to deliver critical care through skilled healthcare professionals and advanced response vehicles.

“When a call comes in, trained operators use structured questions to triage the emergency and dispatch the most appropriate team. On scene, paramedics first ensure scene safety, then assess and stabilise patients while coordinating transport to the nearest suitable hospital.”

How businesses and households can prepare

Preparation begins with education. Singh recommends that every household and workplace invest in basic first aid training and keep a fully-stocked first aid kit.

“It’s equally important to know the medical conditions of those around you. If someone has asthma or a severe allergy, knowing where their inhaler or Epipen® is stored – and how to use it – can save a life.”

Businesses can go a step further by installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and ensuring staff are trained in CPR. Emergency contact numbers should be clearly displayed, and medical information for employees or family members with chronic conditions kept updated and accessible.

“Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparation saves lives.”

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