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An advertisement on AU TV featured a layman (not a surgeon) who attempted his own appendectomy. He didn't complete it himself (rushed to hospital) but an interview clip with a surgeon said he had performed other operations before, and "his technique was pretty good". I really enjoyed hearing his appreciation. I have no idea if this is online somewhere, but it was an ad. for medical insurance.
Not that this isn't amazing, but is it really toughness and bravery to do what's necessary to save your own life?
Staying conscious through that is enough of a feat in itself.
"Not that this isn't amazing, but is it really toughness and bravery to do what's necessary to save your own life?"

Yes.

Yes. In the dull of our non life-threatening hackernews browsing moments, it's easy to say "It needed to be done! I'd do it in a second!"

I, however, don't know if I'd have the fortitude to cut myself open and remove an organ. I mean I'm sure I would if it was life or death but at no point would I be certain about any of it really.

Personally I find shaving in the mirror challenging :-)
now imagine the same in antarctica, when drunk, without a sharp blade (no electric razor ofc) and no light :) add extreme pain that can drop you unconscious at any moment... some serious preparation would be needed, hard to imagine what he must have been going through.