Cardiac Quote by Samuel Shem
“At a cardiac arrest, the first procedure is to take your own pulse”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House of God, 1964
In emergencies, the first instinct is to verify your own vital signs before helping others.
In simple terms: Check yourself first.
Assess your own status before assisting.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- hospital shift
- first aid training
- mass casualty drills
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you aware of your own limits in crisis?
- How can you balance self‑check with immediate help?
Focusing on self may delay aid to others in critical moments.