WWYD in this situation?
Crazy thing happened today... While waiting for the subway, a man fell on the tracks just before the train was coming through the station. I had been in my own world when it happened (listening to music), so I didn't notice. The hubbub after alerted me.
Looking around, people were watching as this man lay on the tracks. The train had fortunately stopped in plenty of time, but everyone stood stunned. I ran over and immediately went to jump down on the tracks, and then the man tried to stand and stumbled. This happened a few times until he fell backwards on the ground near the platform. Another woman and I were about to jump down, when she caught his arm and was able to help him stand - though not steadily. Then the man started swinging his other arm around to give me a chance to catch it. When I did, the other woman and I were able to pull him up onto the platform.
There were probably 20 people on the platform. We were the only two who jumped in to attempt a "rescue."
I want to know: what would you do in this situation?
The other folks waiting seem much saner, as anything could've happened with the man. No doubt, any first responder would say that it's best to wait for the professionals... But honestly, my body just responded in the way it responded. If the guy had stayed on the tracks, just laying, my hypothesis is that I would've jumped down to check his pulse and make sure he was okay until the paramedics arrived. Who's to say though.
You did the right thing! My motto is always "what would I want someone to do for me?" if the roles were reversed. If I fell onto those tracks, I would definitely want someone to help me! Wish there were more people like you in the world :)
That was such a wonderful thing to do. I probably would have gone for help, since I don’t know if I could have pulled him up, even with help. So nice to know that people can be so decent!
You did the right thing! I hope someone ran to tell a conductor
God bless you. I can sit here and say I would’ve done the same thing but who knows! I could’ve froze up on the moment. But even if I didn’t go down myself I would probably look towards able bodied men to get down there and freaking help out! What a story to tell I’m so glad it didn’t end on tragedy
Holy shit, more power to you! I think my first instinct would have been to run to higher ground to call 911 because I know I don't have the physical strength to help in that scenario. But, hey, that's an incredible thing you did because that is a truly scary situation. Fingers crossed this man has a handsome, furniture-building brother you will soon fall in love with!
I think I would have done exactly what you did. I don't think I judge the other people for NOT doing anything, as you don't want to get in a position where there are too many cooks in the kitchen. (i've witnessed this exact thing and like 14 ppl tried to help and it was honestly so much more overwhelming for the woman who passed out originally.) but you definitely are a hero for it! Great job! Good vibes are coming your way.
This sounds so stressful!! You're definitely a hero. Although I consider myself to be strong...I'm only a 5'2" bagel, meaning I don't think I would be of much help getting myself out of the tracks, let alone someone else. TBH I would probably try to call 911 on my phone if I had service, or try and find an MTA employee that could notify all trains on that line to hold. But it's very true that in situations like this people just stand and stare. 1/2
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That's so heroic of you! And such a stressful way to start your morning — glad everyone was okay.
It's a tough question. If there's confirmation that any future train is stopped, then it probably is better to wait for a professional. But if timing is key, and there is something approaching, I think it would be a witness duty to try to help as much as one could. It would be scary in the moment, but if you didn't do anything and someone were hurt, that would take a psychological toll.
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