A Wendell Middle School student posed an interesting question last week when I visited the school as a guest speaker at a career day event.

When I talked about the importance of taking my camera with me everywhere I go, I used the example of unexpectedly driving upon a car wreck.

“If I have the camera with me, I can take pictures even if I’m the first one there,” I told the class.

The student asked me if I shouldn’t help the injured first.

And therein lies an ethical dilemma journalists have often faced.

I explained that a journalist’s role is to report the news, not make it. I would probably take pictures first, I told her. But the truth is, I’d probably call 911 first, then take pictures.

But her question is a hard one to answer. How is a journalist supposed to detach themself from the news in front of them so completely that they wouldn’t first help relieve pain and suffering?

While I hope I never have to make such a decision personally, it’s important to remember that a journalist’s role is peculiarly different than that of other bystanders.

A reporter or photographer is expected to give an accurate, unbiased account of what happens in a news event.

It’s impossible to do that when the journalist intercedes in the action and alters the outcome.

Still, journalists are people too. We identify with other people’s suffering and we don’t wish harm on other people any more than anyone else would.

A friend of mine in Virginia used to work for the newspaper at the same time he served on the volunteer fire department. I asked him how he handled such situations.

He told me he took his camera to fires, jumped out of his truck, snapped off a few pictures, then got in his turnout gear and helped battle the blaze.

That may be the best way to balance being a journalist and a human being.

The student’s question is one that has no good answer. But it’s comforting to know she’s thinking that way.