Probably they serve two reasons, rp opportunity for you and healer or paladin or even imm (you can pray ic) and to instill the notion of Thera being a dangerous place. Carry a return potion for some and if that doesn't work, wait for a healer, paladin, or even goodie conjurer. You can also pray, but this is role driven and the imm might not be inclined to help. However, if you are a newbie, they most probably will.