In countless crime dramas, a familiar scene unfolds: a character stumbles upon an injured individual, pauses briefly, then urgently shouts, “Someone call 911!” This trope has become so ubiquitous that it’s practically a television cliché, especially in police procedurals like Blue Bloods, where such moments are almost a narrative staple.

If someone discovers me injured, I urge them to directly contact emergency services. Immediate action reduces response time and guarantees that help is summoned. By taking personal responsibility, bystanders can prevent the diffusion of responsibility, where everyone assumes someone else will make the call. This approach also minimizes redundant emergency dispatches, streamlining communication and reducing potential confusion at the response center.