When the heroes are in the midst of a running battle with the bad guys, it can be good to keep them on their toes by tossing in some random innocent bystanders or NPC allies. Upping the peril factor and providing distractions that the PCs need to deal with somehow (or else risk the consequences of ignoring) can add spice to what might otherwise be a run-of-the-mill combat scene.

Transcript

Lando: Hey, still hanging on by a thread here.
Luke: Han! Help him! I've got these guards covered.
[SFX]: whooom!
Barada: Hey! A little respect for our ability, thanks.
[SFX]: whooom!
Luke: You show some ability, I'll respect it.
Han: Right, rescue time! Hold on, Lando!
Lando: The thought had occurred to me!
[SFX]: whooom!
Barada: We're quite proficient for our pay grade...
Yotts Orren: {falling into Sarlacc pit} aaargh!!
Han: Lando! Grab this!
Barada: Oh, so you'd touch him with a ten-foot bargepole.