12 Times Off-Duty Medical Staff Were Everyday Superheroes

'We all watched, in awe.'

A tweet describing a heroic act from an off-duty doctor in London has sparked a heartwarming conversation about the similar acts performed by off-shift medical staff across the world.

On 10 June, trainee lawyer Lottie Ritchie took to Twitter to explain that she was at London Bridge when there was a tannoy announcement for a doctor to assist. “A woman near me looked at the guy she was with and just handed him her coffee and then RAN like a superhero,” Ritchie recalled. “It was amazing.”

Her tweet really resonated with others, who were prompted to share stories of how off-duty medical staff had gone above and beyond to help them (or others).

The nurse who dived through a car window.

The tracheotomy with a bottle of whisky.

The resuscitation of a four-month-old.

The interrupted exercise class.

The camp site coffee break.

The caring passerby.

The theatre responder.

The helpful commuters.

The mile-high rescue.

The determined nurse.

The 1am callout.

HumanKind is HuffPost’s celebration of kindness, featuring people who do incredible things for others or the planet – transforming lives through small but significant acts. Get involved by joining us on Facebook or telling us about the people who you think deserve recognition for their kind works. You can nominate them here or share your personal story by emailing natasha.hinde@huffpost.com.

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