In emergencies, the most critical rule is to stay calm, remove a drowning person from water before CPR, and always follow safety protocols while using common sense.
The most important rule to remember in any emergency is to stay calm and assess the situation before reacting. It is crucial to control your internal body systems and maintain balance to be able to think clearly and act efficiently. In the case of someone drowning, your first action must be to remove the person from the water before attempting CPR, as CPR is not effective in water.
When it comes to providing help, it is important to observe your surroundings and overcome the bystander effect by ensuring the person gets help or by notifying someone with the authority to intervene. In certain situations like a laboratory or a hazardous environment, following specific safety protocols, like wearing protective gear, is essential. Always take heed of emergency signs such as "no diving" and use common sense along with your knowledge of the facts.
So, the key in emergencies is to stay composed, quickly analyze the situation, and take the appropriate steps while adhering to safety rules and procedures.