I've possibly saved someone's life a couple of times. I say possibly because there is no way to know what would have happened if I didn't intervene.
No, I didn't feel like they owed me anything. Although I'd like to think they'd "pass it on" if they were in a similar situation.
I've also been the first (or only) person on the scene of an accident several times. I know at least one of those people died. There was nothing I could do. They didn't die while I was there. I found that out later. Another time the guy was pretty seriously injured. I suspect he had a serious head injury which doesn't usually go well.
You covered the appreciation bit, which is huge with me, but forgot respect. I mean they did save your life... They owe you their lives, literally, but not like a slave or anything like that, but more like they got your back until they can save your life, thus repaying the debt at a later point in time. I prefer they pay it forward, I save you, you save someone else, they save someone, and so on and so forth. You get the idea. Basically honor the fact that they saved you and you now have another chance at life.
No. However, it's good to do some time type of exchange if not now in the near future. Acts of appreciation and gratitude. As I would be eternally grateful.
No, but they may feel that way, which is very difficult not to take advantage of. If you save a life, and they don't know you, keep it that way. If they do, make them sign a contract saying you don't owe each other anything because nothing happened.
Putting it in writing crushes a fluttering little bird heart like a vise. I mean, unless you've saved each others asses, then you just share a bond most people won't ever understand. Or should ever understand for that matter.
NO!! I saved my father's life, twice, with strokes, and I never expected a "Thank You!" What self-righteous, self-absorbed prick, needs thanks for doing WHAT IS RIGHT? Has our society DEVOLVED, SO FAR, that people think that there should be THANKS, or some kind of RECOGNITION, for just DOING WHAT IS RIGHT?
Life debt. They are now required to be your body guard for life. It is only repaid when they save your life. Let it be known.
Nah, maybe a beer and conversation, though. Like if they were suicidal, they have to be honest about what they're going through. If it was a fire or other danger, and a bystander saved them, it's a beer (maybe, depending on how much was lost, you might actually owe them a beer, but it's chill). These are the actual unwritten rules.
I have actually saved a few people and No. Well maybe lead a good life. It is my responsibility as a good human being to help when someone is in need. I have always been one of those people that runs toward trouble while everyone else runs away. I am a Christian and I believe when it is my time it is my time, and if I die saving another, then so be it. According to Jesus there is no greater thing we can do than give our life for another. Well maybe lead a good life.
He somehow should technically.. But if you have really good intention when saving that person's life this shouldn't matter to you.. Just a thank you or gratitude should be enough... and just knowing you save someone else's life must already be a very wonderful feeling and reward.
I do not believe they owe you, Anything. Someone who saves someone, is doing that because it is right thing, not because they expect something in return.
At the very least a sincere Thank-you. Other than that while ethically and morally they are in your debt, it would be inappropriate to ever try to collect on that.
No, nothing aside from your life, but when you get right down to it, what's that honestly worth if you aren't a decent human being? Nothing says "shit head" quite like saying "I don't owe you anything" to someone who you literally owe your life to.
Having done so on numerous occasions, I never expect anything in return. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, Interior Firefighter, and First Responder as well as EMT. One does what one must do to save lives.
Assuming they didn't invest a lot of time, money, or effort a thank you and perhaps nominal gift of up to a couple hundred dollars for example inviting the person and family to a nice dinner would be adequate.
No? A thank you is enough, not like you can save someone and then expect to get paid or something.. being a good and helpful person is rare in your country huh?
No, just a "thank you" and if idiots come by and start screaming at me and trying to slice up a recording to make me look like the attacker or something, at least be like "he's not the bad guy here".
