The Bystander Effect in Emergencies: Why People Don't Act

Don't be a Bystander: Setup and Save a Life 

You want to help – but doubt creeps in.
You glance around, hoping someone else will step forward.
No one moves.

This hesitation is known as the Bystander Effect – a psychological response where people are less likely to help in an emergency when others are present. Tragically, this delay can cost lives.

But there’s good news: when one person acts, it can break the silence and inspire others to do the same. With the right training, you can be that person.

At RealMed First Aid, we believe hands-on, scenario-based training gives people the skills and confidence to respond when it matters most – whether at home, work, or in the community. 

🧠 What Is the Bystander Effect – and Why Does It Matter?

The Bystander Effect was first documented in the 1960s, after a high-profile case in New York where bystanders failed to intervene during a violent attack. Psychologists identified five steps people unconsciously go through:

1. 👀 Noticing something is wrong

2. ❗ Recognising it’s an emergency

3. 🫵 Deciding they are responsible

4. 💭 Choosing how to help

5. 🏃 Taking action

Many freeze up during this process. Common reasons include:

😟 "What if I make it worse?"
🤷 "Someone else will probably help."
🚫 "Am I even allowed to do something?"
😵 "I can’t deal with blood."

These doubts are real – but training helps you push past them.

⚠️ How Serious Is the Problem?

The Bystander Effect can be deadly – especially when every second counts.

🔋 Cardiac Arrest: Using a defibrillator within 3 minutes boosts survival chances by up to 70%.
🩸 Severe Bleeding: Every minute without action increases the risk of death.
🧍‍♀️ Gender Disparities: Women are less likely to receive CPR in public due to fears about touching their chest.

And these aren’t rare events in New Zealand:

• 1 in 4 Kiwis have witnessed a cardiac arrest 💔

• Nearly 30% have seen a severe bleeding incident

• Half say they’d panic in an emergency due to lack of training 😬

🌟 Be the One Who Makes a Difference

When you take that first step – call 111, begin CPR, stop the bleeding – you change everything.

First aid training gives you the confidence to act with purpose. Whether you're in the office, on a farm, or at a community hāngi, knowing what to do can save a life.

🏥 Workplaces that invest in training protect their teams.
🏉 Community groups build a culture of safety.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Whānau are better prepared for the unexpected.

Emergencies don’t wait. Be ready.

💪 Why First Aid Training Makes All the Difference

Confidence comes from practice, not panic.

📊 Studies show people with recent, hands-on first aid training are far more likely to act in an emergency. The more realistic the training, the better people retain what to do.

At RealMed First Aid, we offer engaging, real-world courses designed for Kiwis:

Comprehensive First Aid
Workplace First Aid
Refresher Training
Basic Life Support (CPR & AED)
Control the Bleed

We also deliver on-site courses across New Zealand — at marae, schools, sports clubs, rural locations and more. 🚌

All our training aligns with NZ Resuscitation Council (NZRC) guidelines and supports the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. We focus on practical, life-saving skills that matter in the moment.

📍 We Come to You
RealMed First Aid delivers interactive, group first aid courses across New Zealand. Our hands-on, scenario-based training builds real confidence for real emergencies.