diff --git a/effect_template.lua b/effect_template.lua
index 4d7629e..f825f35 100644
--- a/effect_template.lua
+++ b/effect_template.lua
@@ -35,9 +35,27 @@ function OnTick()
     WAIT(500) -- Example: wait 500 ms between ticks, adjust as needed, also for performance
 end
 
+
+
+-- A compilation of frequently used lua helper functions.
+-- If downloaded externally, ensure to credit the original author.
+
 -- Add custom helper functions below.
 
-function random_choice(p1)
+function IS_PLAYER_AVAILABLE()
+    local player_ped = PLAYER.PLAYER_PED_ID()
+    if not DOES_ENTITY_EXIST(player_ped) or IS_ENTITY_DEAD(player_ped) then
+        return false
+    end
+    return true
+end
+
+function GET_PLAYER_PED_HEADING()
+    local player_ped = PLAYER.PLAYER_PED_ID()
+    return GET_ENTITY_HEADING(player_ped)
+end
+
+function RANDOM_CHOICE(p1)
     if type(p1) ~= "table" or #p1 == 0 then
         return nil
     end
@@ -45,5 +63,14 @@ function random_choice(p1)
     return choice
 end
 
-
+-- Example helper function: creates a ghost ped at an offset from the player
+function CREATE_GHOST(ped_model, offset_x, offset_y, offset_z)
+    local player_ped = PLAYER.PLAYER_PED_ID()
+    local player_heading = GET_PLAYER_PED_HEADING()
+    local ped_model_hash = GET_HASH_KEY(ped_model)
+    local player_coords =  GET_OFFSET_FROM_ENTITY_IN_WORLD_COORDS(player_ped, offset_x, offset_y, offset_z)
+    local ghost = CreatePoolPed(1, ped_model_hash, player_coords.x, player_coords.y, player_coords.z, player_heading)
+    SET_ENTITY_ALPHA(ghost, 0, false)
+    return ghost
+end