Global Women Power (GWP) is a non-profit organization committed to creating a world where women are empowered through financial independence, job creation, and networking opportunities. GWP focuses on uplifting women from all walks of life by fostering connections, promoting “”social and financial empowerment, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth”. With a mission to build a supportive community, GWP serves women who may have different backgrounds but share a common goal—breaking barriers and achieving success.
As part of our ongoing efforts to highlight remarkable women, Meet Our Sheroes is a special interview series that spotlights inspiring women who have overcome challenges and risen to positions of influence and leadership. These women, through their determination, skill, and passion, have not only achieved personal success but have also contributed to their communities in meaningful ways. By sharing their stories, Meet Our Sheroes seeks to motivate and empower other women, providing a platform for them to learn, connect, and grow. Each interview in this series delves into the personal journeys of these women—exploring where they started, the obstacles they faced, and how they’ve come to be the leaders they are today. Through this, we hope to inspire a new generation of women to believe in their own potential and to harness the power of community for collective growth.
Shannen Enos Pousada: A Lifesaver’s Journey
In our latest Meet Our Sheroes series, we are excited to introduce Shannen Enos Pousada, a woman whose life and career have revolved around saving lives and empowering others. With over 30 years of experience as an emergency room nurse and the founder of Enos CPR Services, Shannen has made it her mission to ensure that more people are equipped with essential life-saving skills. Her journey is one of compassion, determination, and innovation in the healthcare and safety industry.
Transforming Emergency Preparedness: The Birth of Enos CPR Services
Shannen’s career as an ER nurse exposed her to countless life-or-death situations, giving her firsthand knowledge of how critical it is for people to be prepared in emergencies. From this realization, she founded Enos CPR Services in 2007, a business that trains individuals and professionals in CPR, first aid, and various other safety measures. What started as a small venture has grown into a thriving business that serves diverse industries, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and even everyday households.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap: The Value of Certification
When asked about the importance of certification and whether it adds value to people’s careers, Shannen highlighted its significance. “Certification is simply a diploma, proof that you took a class,” she explained. While some, like moms learning CPR for personal reasons, may not see the necessity for official certification, others—like teachers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters—require it for professional reasons.
Empowering Through Education: Shannen’s Commitment to Accessible Training
What makes Shannen’s work particularly impactful is her belief that knowledge should be accessible to all. While many of her courses are required for certain professions, she also offers training to individuals who want to learn purely for personal reasons. “This is information that should be free,” she says, reflecting her passion for spreading life-saving knowledge as widely as possible. Shannen often provides free or low-cost training options to those who simply want to learn.
Adapting to Needs: Specialized Training for Modern Challenges
As her business continues to expand, Shannen has added specialized courses like active shooter training and rescue techniques for confined spaces, showing her adaptability to the evolving needs of safety in different environments. Her clients return year after year, not only for certification renewals but because they trust her expertise and her genuine desire to make a difference.
The Role of Certification in Professional Success
In many industries, certification is more than just a formality—it’s essential for liability protection and meeting professional requirements. Nurses, firefighters, EMS workers, and police officers, for example, need to maintain certification to comply with legal and professional standards. “Their job requires it to keep on file,” Shannen explained, noting that having proof of training ensures these professionals are covered in the event of an emergency.
The Business of Life-Saving: Shannen’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Shannen confidently affirmed, “For sure, I’ve made a career out of it.” However, she acknowledged the challenges that come with it. She recounted how many businesses focused solely on basic training struggled during the pandemic when group gatherings were restricted. In contrast, Shannen’s diverse range of training courses allowed her business to adapt and continue functioning even amidst restrictions.
Supporting Others: Community and Independent Contracting
This adaptability proved invaluable during the pandemic, and Shannen was able to support other trained instructors who found themselves in difficult situations. “I have some of those people that work with me under my business,” she explained. By bringing on skilled instructors as independent contractors, Shannen not only bolstered her own enterprise but also provided them a platform to continue their passion for teaching life-saving skills.
Navigating Challenges: The Landscape of Independent Contracting
The concept of independent contracting in California presents its own set of challenges, as Shannen pointed out. Despite the federal recognition of independent contractors, California’s regulations have made it increasingly difficult for those in her field to operate independently. “California is allergic to us,” she joked, reflecting the frustrations of many independent professionals navigating complex legislation. Despite the demands of running a business, Shannen remains deeply connected to her roots as a nurse. Though she’s in the process of retiring from full-time nursing, she still takes on-call shifts, balancing both worlds with grace and commitment. She feels fortunate to have built a career and business centered around something intangible but immensely valuable—knowledge that can save lives.
Through her journey, Shannen Enos Pousada embodies the spirit of a true “shero”—a woman who saw a need and acted on it, creating opportunities for herself while making a lasting impact on others. Her dedication to providing safety training and her passion for educating people reflect the core values of Global Women Power. By sharing her story, we hope to inspire more women to take bold steps in their careers, trust in their capabilities, and empower others along the way.
Despite these hurdles, Shannen remains steadfast in her mission to provide essential training that saves lives. Her work exemplifies how individuals can transform their experiences and expertise into meaningful careers, particularly in fields where safety and preparedness are paramount.
It is clear that Shannen’s commitment to training others is rooted in a deep understanding of the stakes involved. “People are dealing with lives,” she emphasized. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills they need, Shannen not only enhances personal confidence but also fosters a safer community where everyone can act decisively in emergencies.
Continuing our conversation with Shannen Enos Pousada, we explored the wide variety of courses she offers and how her students can find the one that fits their needs.
When discussing the types of training available, Shannen shared an important insight:
“Most people don’t realize there are different levels of training based on the jobs that people do.”
This highlights how essential it is to match training to specific roles and responsibilities. Whenever someone inquires about a CPR class, Shannen’s first question is always:
Understanding Different Needs
For instance, Shannen explained how knowing whether a school or coach recommended the training can help her pinpoint the correct course:
“If they say, ‘Oh, my school did,’ versus ‘my coaching group said I had to,’ that helps me understand what specific training might be required.”*
This approach ensures that people get the training tailored to their needs and saves them both time and money by directing them to the right course from the start.
Customizing Courses by Profession
Shannen’s expertise becomes evident when she describes the range of professions that may require CPR training:
“If you’re a healthcare provider or dental provider versus someone who works with preschoolers or high schoolers, the age groups matter, and that will influence what type of course you should take.”
By tailoring the training to each specific profession and environment, she ensures that students receive the education most relevant to their work and the people they serve.
Preventing Costly Mistakes
One common issue Shannen seeks to avoid is students enrolling in the wrong course:
*“I don’t like people taking a course and realizing afterward that their job doesn’t accept it.”*
This proactive approach emphasizes her dedication to ensuring students leave with qualifications that are valid and recognized in their respective fields.
The Importance of Clear Guidance
Shannen also stresses the significance of understanding course requirements from the start:
“OSHA doesn’t care if you made a mistake,”* she pointed out. Taking the wrong course can lead to extra fees for a second class. Her goal is simple:
“I try very hard to get them into the right class at the beginning, so that they take just the one that they need or the two that they need and nothing more.”*
Empowering Students for Success
Shannen’s commitment to guiding individuals toward the right course reflects her deep care for her work. She knows that CPR training directly impacts people’s preparedness in emergency situations, and her approach helps students navigate the often-confusing landscape of certifications.
In a world where time and resources are precious, Shannen’s personalized attention is refreshing. By equipping her students with not only the skills they need but also the knowledge to choose the right certification, she empowers them and helps foster a safer community.
We shifted our focus to the nature of the training she provides and the critical legal aspects surrounding emergency assistance.
Empowering Action: Understanding CPR Training and the Good Samaritan Law with Shannen Enos Pousada
We also delved into her comprehensive approach to CPR training and addressed some common concerns that potential helpers may face in emergency situations.
Hands-On Training: A Crucial Component
Shannen began by outlining the format of her training sessions, stating:
“Most trainings are in person. It’s tangible.”
This hands-on approach is essential for mastering skills like CPR, where feeling comfortable using equipment and techniques in real-life scenarios can make all the difference. Shannen explained the variety of tools participants engage with:
“You have tourniquets, EpiPen practice, and all types of different training classes.”
While some online courses exist—such as those for bloodborne pathogens—Shannen firmly believes that in-person training is the most effective way to prepare individuals for emergencies.
Addressing Liability Concerns
As the conversation progressed, we touched on a significant concern for many potential helpers: **liability**. Shannen posed a thought-provoking question:
“What if I move someone? What if I don’t have a card for the training I had, but I want to help my neighbor?”*
These questions reflect the common hesitation people feel when witnessing an emergency. Many worry about losing their jobs or facing legal repercussions for intervening.
The Good Samaritan Law: Your Safety Net
This led us to discuss the Good Samaritan Law, designed to protect individuals who provide help in emergencies. Shannen explained:
“In the U.S. and on cruise ships and airplanes, there’s a law that protects people who give help, but not those who are paid to give the help.”
This law is vital for those who step forward to assist without compensation. For example, if a nurse provides help while off-duty, they may not be protected under this law due to their professional obligations.
Real-Life Scenarios and Legal Protections
Shannen illustrated the law’s importance with a relatable scenario:
“Think about a first-time mom who has never taken a training class but sees her child choking. She remembers something from YouTube and decides to intervene. She may worry she did it wrong or hurt the child.”
The law recognizes that individuals act voluntarily and without causing the emergency. As Shannen put it:
“She chose to do it freely because she wanted the outcome to be better.”
Acting with Altruism
A crucial aspect of this legal protection is that it only applies when help is given without expecting payment. Shannen cautioned:
“If someone offers money for your assistance, that could open you up to liability.”
This highlights the importance of altruism in emergency situations; the law encourages good Samaritans to help without the fear of legal consequences.
Educating the Public
Interestingly, Shannen pointed out that many remain unaware of these protections:
“It’s surprising how many people don’t know there is a law.”*
Misconceptions about liability can deter individuals from helping others in distress, often based on outdated or anecdotal information. By educating her trainees about these laws, Shannen empowers them to act confidently during emergencies.
The Good Samaritan Law serves as a safety net, allowing ordinary citizens to respond to emergencies without the fear of legal repercussions. As Shannen emphasized:
“If you’re in a situation where someone is unresponsive, just remember that your intention to help is what matters.”
A Business Model Built on Accessibility and Expertise
As our conversation with Shannen continued, we explored the structure of her business and her unique approach to expanding the reach of CPR training. Shannen operates as an independent contractor, offering a range of courses through her website, “EnosCPR.com”. She proudly noted the simplicity of her site, making it easy for anyone to find a course that suits their needs. However, Shannen’s mission goes beyond her local area:
“If someone is looking for training outside my area, I can give them the resources to find a provider closer to them, whether they’re in Maryland or Canada,”* she shared.
This reflects her commitment to making CPR training accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of location.
Protecting Her Clients and Herself: The Importance of Insurance
Shannen takes her role seriously, ensuring that she is fully insured—a critical requirement for independent contractors in her field.
“Oh, yeah, lots of insurance,”* she confirmed with a smile, emphasizing how essential coverage is for protecting both her clients and herself in an industry where liability is always a concern.
She also stays on top of her own certifications, renewing them every two years to ensure that she remains up to date. This dedication to maintaining the highest standards demonstrates her commitment to quality and professionalism.
Continuing Education: A Lifeline for Professionals
In addition to providing CPR and first-aid training, Shannen also offers Continuing Education (CE) units for professionals in fields like fire services, EMS, healthcare, and dental care. These CE units are crucial for keeping certifications current, and her offerings help professionals meet their state’s requirements.
“I do provide continuing education for certain types of entities, primarily in California,” she explained. Her flexibility allows her to reach a wide audience, supporting the ongoing education of professionals across the U.S.
Future Expansion: A Vision for Growth
When asked about the potential for expanding her business, Shannen thoughtfully considered the idea of growth:
“It’s a thought,”* she said, acknowledging the possibility of opening additional locations or even franchising.
However, she was quick to point out the challenges, including maintaining the same high level of training quality across multiple sites. Her dedication to excellence comes through in every part of her business, making it clear that growth would only be pursued if it could meet her exacting standards.
“The goal is to create a network of instructors who share the same vision of safety and preparedness,” she shared.
Shaping the Future of Emergency Preparedness
As our conversation came to an end, one thing was clear: Shannen’s impact goes far beyond the courses she teaches. Through her work, she’s helping to build a community of well-prepared individuals, empowering people to act when it matters most.
“The goal is not just to teach CPR but to foster a sense of readiness and support in every community,” she reflected.
For anyone looking to learn more about CPR training or find a local provider, visit Shannen’s website at EnosCPR.com. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, an educator, or simply someone wanting to acquire lifesaving skills, Shannen’s commitment to high-quality training will guide you toward becoming a well-equipped and confident first responder.
Shannen Enos Pousada is redefining what it means to run a CPR training business. While many might expect a traditional storefront operation, Shannen prefers a flexible, mobile model that allows her to meet the needs of clients wherever they are.
“I don’t have a storefront where someone can just walk in any day of the week,” Shannen explained. Instead, her Tracy, California training room serves as a base for scheduled classes, but most of her work happens “on-site” at businesses like “Bank of America”. With the ability to travel to different cities or states, Shannen brings the training directly to her clients.
“They don’t need to come to me,” she said, highlighting the convenience and adaptability of her approach.
A Network of Instructors: The Hub and Spokes Model
Shannen is not only a one-woman powerhouse; she operates at the center of a “network of instructors”.
“I’m the hub, and I have satellite people under me who can provide their own courses,” she described. These instructors, who are independent contractors, rely on Shannen for certification, but they have the freedom to run their own classes.
This collaborative structure allows Shannen to cover more ground while maintaining control over the quality of training provided. Instead of expanding her business through a physical franchise, she prefers this “mobile, flexible” model, creating “chapters” all over that don’t require brick-and-mortar locations.
“I don’t really need to have a spin-off of my business because I can have little locations—chapters—kind of all over,” she shared.
The Challenges of Starting a CPR Business
Starting a CPR training business isn’t easy, and Shannen doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the “hard work” and “investment” required.
“Starting a business is hard, especially CPR training,” she said. Shannen highlighted the challenge of finding clients when businesses may already have existing contracts with trainers, and CPR certifications last two years, meaning repeat customers aren’t always immediate.
“You need to knock on a lot of doors,” she said, especially when cold calling to introduce her services.
Personal Investment and the Costs of Business
For Shannen, starting her business came with a significant “financial investment”, one that was supported by her mother.
“When I first started out, my mom actually invested in me, and it was $6,600 that I had to spend to get all the equipment and pay for my training courses,” she recalled with gratitude. Without her mother’s support, Shannen admits, her entrepreneurial journey might not have even begun. “Equipment alone”, she noted, can cost around $3,000, making it a costly venture for many.
Her story of personal connection and family support adds a touching element to her business success.
“Without her, I wouldn’t have started at all,” she emphasized, showcasing the personal side of her journey.
Enthusiasm for the Work
Despite the challenges of managing the administrative side of her business, including licensing and paperwork, Shannen’s passion for her work shines through.
“It’s a fun business, and it makes me feel good,”* she shared. Her love for empowering others with lifesaving skills fuels her drive, even when facing the stresses that come with running a business.
“There’s a lot of requirements from different licensing agencies,” she said, hinting at the layers of bureaucracy she navigates to ensure her business runs smoothly.
Empowering Compassion and Confidence in CPR Training
In the heart of every CPR class Shannen Enos Pousada teaches, her passion for empowering people radiates. It’s not just about technical skills for her—it’s about fostering confidence and compassion. *“I love being around people and making someone feel empowered enough to act in an emergency,”* Shannen shared. That desire to uplift her students and prepare them for real-life situations drives every aspect of her work.
Beyond the practical steps of CPR, Shannen dedicates time to discuss a topic that can often be overlooked: “liability concerns”. Particularly in California, where legal fears can discourage even the most willing bystanders, Shannen takes the time to ensure her students understand the protections in place. “If you witness someone choking or falling and instinctively try to help, you might wonder later if you did the right thing,” she explained. “That’s why it’s crucial to discuss liability at the start of every class.” By addressing these concerns upfront, she ensures that her students leave feeling empowered, not fearful, to step in when needed.
The Emotional Weight of Helping
In a particularly poignant part of the conversation, Shannen shed light on the emotional burden that can accompany stepping forward in a crisis. She touched on the unspoken reality that **rescuers sometimes carry an emotional weight** when things don’t go as planned. “In California, if someone doesn’t survive, their family might want to blame the rescuer,” she reflected. It’s a heavy truth that makes the need for clear legal protections even more important. Shannen reassures her students, emphasizing that there are laws safeguarding them when they choose to act. “It’s important to reassure people that there are laws protecting them when they choose to do the right thing,” she added.
Her deep commitment to her students shines through in every class. For Shannen, training people in CPR is more than just about techniques—it’s about “cultivating the courage and mindset to act decisively” when life depends on it. By educating her students on both the legal and emotional aspects of intervention, she’s creating a ripple effect of confidence and preparedness in the community.
The Power of Bystander Intervention
As our conversation delved further into the role of bystander intervention, Shannen highlighted a powerful, often misunderstood aspect: sometimes, just “staying with someone” can be as valuable as administering aid. She shared a story about an elderly person who had fallen, and how simply being there can offer immense comfort.
“You don’t know if they’re injured,” she cautioned, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and offering reassurance. *“Why don’t you stay where you are, and I’ll stay with you?” Shannen explained, showing how being present and comforting someone can make all the difference. She affirmed, “That’s a great thing I bring up in classes. Is just staying with someone help? Yes, absolutely it is.”
Her message is clear: helping doesn’t always mean performing CPR or first aid—it can be as simple as offering comfort and support. Shannen shared a personal example to drive the point home: “If my grandmother were on the ground, having someone cover her with a jacket and call for help would mean the world, even without physical contact.” It’s these human moments that underscore the emotional depth of Shannen’s training and the incredible impact bystanders can have in emergencies.
Creating a Community of Preparedness and Compassion
Shannen Enos Pousada’s mission extends beyond teaching the mechanics of CPR. Through her thoughtful and comprehensive approach to training, she is empowering her students to respond with both “confidence and compassion”. Her ability to blend the emotional, legal, and practical aspects of intervention makes her an exceptional instructor and a true advocate for “community preparedness”.
In every class she teaches, Shannen instills not only lifesaving skills but also a deeper understanding of what it means to help. Her dedication to making the world a safer, more compassionate place through her work is nothing short of inspiring. And as her students walk out of each session, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and the heart to make a difference when it matters most.
The Power of Decisive Action and Compassion in Emergencies
In a gripping moment of our conversation, Shannen Enos Pousada recounted a deeply personal experience that forever shaped her perspective on emergency intervention. She vividly recalled the day her home caught fire and the quick thinking of a police officer who saved her family. “The police officer who saved us shared that he violated all the instructions given to him,” Shannen explained, before adding a powerful message from the officer’s chief: “Our chief told us when human life is in question, do whatever it takes.” This moment left an indelible mark on Shannen, reinforcing her belief that “common sense and compassion” should always take precedence in emergencies. She expressed heartfelt gratitude for the officer’s courage, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing human life over rigid protocol.
Shannen’s story underscores the “critical role of human instincts and swift action” in life-threatening situations. She has seen firsthand how making tough, instinctive decisions can save lives, and she brings that same sense of urgency and compassion into her CPR training.
Legal Protections for Everyday Heroes
Shannen also took the time to address a topic that often weighs heavily on bystanders during emergencies: legal protection. “There is a law that protects people,” she explained, aiming to dispel the fears that often prevent people from stepping in to help. Many potential rescuers worry about facing legal repercussions for their well-intentioned actions. However, Shannen emphasized that the law is on their side, encouraging individuals to act without fear in moments of crisis.
She pointed out a crucial yet simple truth: in many emergencies, the person in distress might not be able to call for help themselves. “Say you’re with a nine-year-old child; they probably know how to call 911,” she noted, highlighting the essential role bystanders play. Whether it’s a child or an adult witnessing an incident, quick action can be the difference between life and death.
Recognizing a Stroke: The Vital Role of Bystanders
Shannen also shared her expertise on recognizing and responding to strokes, a common medical emergency that often relies on “bystander intervention”. She touched on the well-known FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) used to identify stroke symptoms, but she went deeper, acknowledging that sometimes the signs are less obvious. “Most people know how to recognize a stroke,” she said, “but sometimes it’s just about knowing when something is wrong.”
In these moments, the victim is unable to call for help, and they are entirely reliant on the quick thinking of those around them. “The victim cannot call for help in a stroke. They rely completely on potentially a stranger telling another person,” Shannen explained, stressing how crucial it is for those nearby to trust their instincts and take action.
The Emotional Complexities of Being a Rescuer
Shannen’s insights went beyond the technical aspects of CPR and emergency response. She shared a more human side of the equation: the **emotional complexity** experienced by both rescuers and victims. “On a scale of 100%, I’d say 70% of people are grateful and 30% are disbelieving,” she shared. In high-stress scenarios, shock, grief, and disbelief can cloud judgment, sometimes leading to unexpected reactions from those being helped.
Shannen encouraged her students—and all potential bystanders—not to measure their success by the immediate reactions they receive. In fact, she cited an example of a public figure who collapsed in a store, and the bystanders who rushed to help him had no idea who he was. Despite the unfortunate outcome, those bystanders should not feel liable or guilty. “We need people to be willing to participate without fear,” she urged. In her classes, she emphasizes that taking action, even in the face of uncertainty, is always the right thing to do.
Empowering Bystanders with Confidence and Compassion
Shannen’s teaching goes beyond simply equipping people with life-saving techniques; it’s about empowering them to “act confidently and compassionately” in any crisis. She recognizes that the fear of failure or legal repercussions can paralyze people, but her mission is to dispel those fears and replace them with a sense of “duty and empowerment”.
By sharing her own experiences and teaching others to navigate both the physical and emotional aspects of emergency response, Shannen is creating a community of everyday heroes ready to step up when it matters most. Her classes not only train people to save lives but also instill the courage to make those split-second decisions that can change everything.
For anyone seeking to learn CPR or simply wanting to be better prepared in an emergency, Shannen’s message is clear: “your actions matter”.
The Importance of Preparedness in Emergencies
Shannen Enos Pousada continues to share her wisdom on the vital role of training and instinct in emergency response, drawing from her vast experience as a CPR trainer and emergency room nurse. She highlighted the value of formal training, especially in equipping individuals to handle specific, high-stress scenarios like administering an EpiPen or applying a tourniquet. While she recognized that most people instinctively want to help in an emergency, she stressed the importance of being prepared. “Most of the time, say, 70% of the time, people’s higher power takes over,” she noted, acknowledging that intuition often guides effective decision-making in critical moments.
Shannen underscored that “bystanders” are the true first responders in emergencies, calling them the “first link in the chain” of response. In her words, “If EMS doesn’t arrive for 15 minutes, what happened in those first 15 minutes?” She emphasized that the initial life-saving actions are often taken by ordinary people on the scene, not professionals. “The first link is unlikely to be a professional,” Shannen explained, highlighting that every person has the capacity to make a life-saving impact during the critical minutes before emergency services arrive.
Emotional Intelligence in Crisis: A Personal Story of Compassionate Intervention
Shannen shared a memorable moment from her life when she responded to a car accident. She found the driver’s foot dangling from his leg, likely broken, and immediately recognized the severity of the situation. Realizing that he was in shock, Shannen quickly acted, engaging him in conversation to distract him from his pain. “How amazing that you did that,” she reflected, explaining that her quick thinking not only provided emotional comfort but may have also prevented further physical harm.
This experience highlighted the importance of both “practical skills” and “emotional intelligence” in emergencies. Through her story, Shannen encourages people to trust their instincts and recognize that their calm, compassionate response can be just as valuable as medical assistance.
Seizures and the Critical Role of Bystanders
Shannen then turned her attention to seizures, discussing how these episodes can stem from various causes, including epilepsy, head injuries, or even low blood sugar. She emphasized that bystanders should not rush to move someone experiencing a seizure unless there’s a risk of aspiration, such as when vomiting or choking is a concern. “If you’re ever unsure of what to do, call 911,” Shannen reminded, praising the invaluable support dispatchers provide during emergencies, guiding people step by step on how to assist until professionals arrive.
Legal Protections and the Moral Imperative to Help
One of the recurring concerns Shannen addressed was the “legal implications” of stepping in during an emergency. She reassured that Good Samaritan laws generally protect bystanders who offer help in good faith. Shannen also discussed the legal gray areas of accepting compensation for assistance, noting that while accepting small tokens of gratitude, like a gift card, is typically safe, it’s important to be cautious. She clarified that liability concerns are generally minimal for non-professionals, but professionals like police officers and emergency responders are held to different legal standards due to the nature of their jobs.
Consent in Emergencies: Acting When Others Cannot
In a profound discussion about “consent” in emergency situations, Shannen touched on the hesitation some people feel about stepping in, fearing they might be overstepping someone’s boundaries. However, she pointed out that in situations where a person is unconscious or unable to communicate, it’s generally assumed that they want to be helped. “In emergencies, people want to live,” Shannen stated, explaining that most people, whether pregnant or otherwise in distress, don’t expect to find themselves in life-threatening situations in public, but they would surely want assistance.
Shannen’s thoughtful approach to this sensitive topic reassures her students and the public alike: if someone is in trouble, stepping up to help is almost always the right thing to do.
Shannen explained that consent can be implicit. For instance, if a person is confused due to shock or intoxication, they might not verbally decline help, but their actions—such as allowing a responder to assist—can indicate consent. She clarified that it’s crucial to respect a person’s decision to decline assistance if they are mentally capable of doing so. This understanding is particularly vital for individuals under 18, who legally cannot give consent.
Shannen also expressed her willingness to donate training sessions for groups, highlighting the value of spreading knowledge and skills in emergency response. She emphasized that such training doesn’t have to be financially driven but rather focused on community safety and empowerment. The training sessions she offers are relatively short, about a couple of hours, and she avoids testing to make the experience less intimidating for participants.
In closing, Shannen expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share her insights and hoped that even a small piece of information could help someone in need. She conveyed a sense of fulfillment in knowing she could make a difference and emphasized the collaborative spirit of learning and sharing knowledge for the benefit of others. This conversation underscores the significance of being prepared to help others in emergencies, understanding consent, and fostering a culture of assistance without fear of legal repercussions.
