Whatever the outcome, just showing up, trying to help in a competent manner and doing what you can means you've done a good job in my book.

I second that, I have the hardest time with kids. Never did until I had my own.
I've been in the Fire/EMS service for 20 years last month. Of the several thousand calls I've been on with 4 different departments I can vividly remeber the fatals, and the ones with kids.

Not to be cold, but the boyfriend made the decision not to wear that seatbelt. Decisions have consequences.

That's part of the whole "equipped to survive" thought process ... from planning and preparation, to day-to-day behavior.

I've spent their entire lifetimes teaching my children that cars (trucks) simply don't move without seatbelts fastened. They even fasten them while driving on our own property (we have a larger property). I hope and pray that they make the right decisions when I'm not around.

For anyone that finds themselves in that sort of situation, you may be able to find some counselling if you're willing to ask for it. I know our local Red Cross has a team of volunteers (Disaster Mental Health) that can do critical incident stress debriefing (CISD). If someone called up the chapter and talked to the disaster department, they could probably hook them up with a counselor. I don't think our local CERT teams are far enough along to have that available, but they might be able to access fire/rescue resources since they're affiliated with them. A lot of churches could probably refer you to someone good or may even have someone on staff.

I sure do appreciate the men and women who have to deal with this type of tragedy on a regular basis. It is good to know that ya'll can work with a clear mind when us civilians would be in panic mode.

Sometimes the greatest contribution you can make is to be there so that someone doesn't die alone. Prayer is always a good thing too.

Been there more times than I ever thought I would.