Well first of all I am an ER nurse and that is part of the everyday job.  You must always remain calm and act like you have seen this a million times- because if you panic then so does everyone else.   I am also trained in CERT- which is a group of just everyday people that live in my city and if a disaster happens we will be available to help where needed.

I personally have never come across any type of first responder need while out in the community.  I have told my family that they are never to tell everyone I am a nurse should we come upon something like this.  I did this so that I could assess the situation myself and see if I feel comfortable in jumping in.  It is ok for medical personal to walk away from things as long as they have not identified themselves or talked to the victim/s.  I have worked in the ER for 6 years now and I most likely would help out if needed and I feel more comfortable in my skills but 13 years ago when I became a nurse I didn't and that is when I came up with the idea not to let my family announce I was a nurse.