Doubting my decision

Wife and I were walking the local rail trail. Roughly 1/2 mile from parking lot. Noticed an older gentleman ahead just leaning on his cane.

As we started to approach, I sensed that this man was in distress. When reaching him I asked if he was okay. His response was he could really use a ride. We told him to relax and hurried to parking area. He was very pale and breathing hard.

This is a non motorized trail. No cars allowed. I felt I should have ran to the truck and risked a ticket to help the man by just driving to him.

After discussion with wife, we decided to call 911. That is a whole different discussion. Those fuckers couldn't find their ass with both hands.

We have no idea if the paramedics were able reach and help the man.

I feel we could have done more.

Should I have broke the law?

 

IMHO, I would have. I highly doubt any officer would have ticketed you given the fact you were potentially saving a life. Granted, I'd only do this if it was an easy road/trail to get down, and I had zero doubts I wouldn't just create a larger issue by getting stuck.

 

Yes.

 

To me, even if you had been harassed by a cop for helping, they can screw off. It would be worth the ticket to me.

Edit: but also, good job catching up to him. I know too many people that would have seen him and walked the other way.

 

Perhaps, but don't beat yourself up second-guessing. You admirably did what you thought was right at the time. Good job.

I hope everything turned out OK for the gentleman.

 

x2

 

Thanks, I hope he is well, too

 

Good for you for doing something. Downsides to calling 911 is it takes a long time for them to respond, assuming they are available to respond immediately, and the it takes them away from other, more serious matters if all this guy needed a a lift back to his car.

My opinion - never hesitate to break the non-safety related rules and regulations to help someone in distress. If driving slowly on that trail may result in a fine but doesn't put anyone in harms way, then so be it. Not many cops would write you up for it. They'd probably pat you on the back.

Most people nowadays walk past a person in distress and do fuck all. good on ya here.

 

I think you did ok man and hope you don't beat yourself up over it.

Ya, IMO sometimes the rules don't apply so long as you're not making a situation worse. Wasn't there so can't say but if access was was motorized capable I probably would have.

Good on you for doing the right thing & lending a hand!

 

A friend of mine did the same thing for an old man when we were in High School, He in turn was stabbed by the guy he was trying to help cause he wasn't all there. He was ok but you take a chance either way so don't beat yourself up.

 

I would have stayed with him and waited for EMS to arrive.

If I was by myself I may have tried to help move him depending on the person. If my family is with me I won't take too many chances or put them at risk.

 

Did you leave the guy out there and drive away after calling 911 hoping EMS would find him from your directions?

IMO the basic rules would be that one person (the one with the most first aid training) stays with the victim while the other goes for help. Regardless of whether you decide to start transport yourself, always call 911 immediately or as soon as cell coverage is available then stay on the line until EMS arrives. Then direct EMS to the victim or turn them over if you initiated transport.