In the face of chaos, there are three defining traits that mark a first responder – a courageous disposition, calm, and have a core desire to help those in need.

Ana Torres, account payable specialist at CriticalRiver, embodies these three qualities with a heavy dose of humility.

In 2024, Ana registered for a basic first aid course with the municipality of La Unión, Cartago, Costa Rica. The course teaches civilians how to care for a person with medical conditions, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, fainting, accidents such as falls, blows, wounds, burns, and how to act in a vehicle accident and in the case of a snake bite.

“My main motivation for taking the course was to have the ability to respond to emergencies. I wanted to react quickly if something happened to my family and friends,” says Ana.

While the course was very gripping it was not without challenges. The hardest part was to retain the information, including the order of primary care in an accident situation.

“Theory helps, but it helps even more to maintain control and think quickly. I overcame it by studying the theory and practicing at home. Hence, when we saw practical cases that simulated a risky situations, I was able to achieve the objective,” she says.

Ana plans to utilize her knowledge and skills if an emergency does occur in CriticalRiver.

“I firmly believe that there must be at least one person in each office with basic knowledge in emergency medical situations or accidents. Assisting, stabilizing the person, knowing how to act before the medical team arrives can mean a lot in the recovery of the injured person. For Critical River Costa Rica office, I can give my knowledge if I am faced with a risk situation,” says Ana.

While having the basic knowledge in emergency medical situations or accidents is desired, it’s best not to act on wounds or burns on the person’s body if you don’t know what to do, says Ana.

“Many times, because we want to help, we resort to what we believe is the right thing to do. That could hinder the medical work instead of helping,” she says.

In such cases, it is best to accompany the individual in need, keep them calm, create a safe space around them and maintain communication with the emergency services while they arrive at the scene, she says.

For Ana, the reward is not a recognition but the quiet satisfaction of being able to help someone. In her humble ways, Ana represents the very essence of a true first responder: courageous, compassionate, and ready to help when fate calls.