erika, I think there's more to it. I know there have been cases where people aren't just hearing the screams from their windows, but are witnessing an assault, but don't help. I saw someone on some show once, say if that happens to you--if you're being attacked and there are a bunch of witnesses failing to act, you select someone. For example, you say, "You in the black leather jacket, help me." It breaks the [whatever it's called] of the crowd.
Anya: We should drop a piano on her. It always works for that creepy cartoon rabbit when he's running from that nice man with the speech impediment. Giles: Yes, or perhaps we could paint a convincing fake tunnel on the side of a mountain.
'Touched'
The Great Write Way, Chapter Two: Twice upon a time...
A place for Buffistas to discuss, beta and otherwise deal and dish on their non-fan fiction projects.
Topic!Cindy - Apr 05, 2005 8:08:31 am PDT #1070 of 10001
What is even happening?
Betsy HP - Apr 05, 2005 8:11:26 am PDT #1071 of 10001
If I only had a brain...
For example, you say, "You in the black leather jacket, help me." It breaks the [whatever it's called] of the crowd.
I think that's the way CPR works, too -- you pick out one person and say "You! Call 911."
erikaj - Apr 05, 2005 8:12:49 am PDT #1072 of 10001
I'm a fucking amazing catch!--Fiona Gallagher, Shameless(US)
I could see how that might happen....stops you from looking at the other members and wondering when they will do something.
§ ita § - Apr 05, 2005 8:15:51 am PDT #1073 of 10001
Well not canonically, no, but this is transformative fiction.
So you, with the black leather jacket (assuming it's not happening in the fall in NY) feel individually responsible. Pretty cool.
I've only witnessed one scenario which needed a 911 call, and since the first person to reach the victim announced herself as a nurse, I hared off for the phone (without saying I was going to do so, which is contra-protocol). The call took forever, since the operator seemed convinced I'd been hit by a car and needed an ambulance.
Topic!Cindy - Apr 05, 2005 8:20:33 am PDT #1074 of 10001
What is even happening?
I think that's the way CPR works, too -- you pick out one person and say "You! Call 911."Yes, I think so. People just get frozen in this state where they think it isn't their place, and can't even process that they have to help. You need to break the spell.
erikaj - Apr 05, 2005 8:20:48 am PDT #1075 of 10001
I'm a fucking amazing catch!--Fiona Gallagher, Shameless(US)
Like Customer Service Hell, but macabre,ita.
Ginger - Apr 05, 2005 8:37:04 am PDT #1076 of 10001
"It didn't taste good. It tasted soooo horrible. It tasted like....a vodka martini." - Matilda
I think that's the way CPR works, too -- you pick out one person and say "You! Call 911."
They do specifically teach that in CPR class. I've been through the class a number of times, although I still suspect it will all leave my brain when faced with an actual CPR situation. The sequence that you practice is, "Ask the person if he's okay. If he's unresponsive, designate someone to call 911. Check for breathing...." You're supposed to get the person you're designating to say something like, "I'm calling 911."
deborah grabien - Apr 05, 2005 8:58:45 am PDT #1077 of 10001
It really doesn't matter. It's just an opinion. Don't worry about it. Not worth the hassle.
Genovese! Yes. And ita, I think Tawana was Brawley, not Bradley. My memory is a strange and wondrous thing.
I can't imagine NOT helping if someone is screaming in the street. We check things out, every damned time.
Nutty - Apr 05, 2005 9:03:05 am PDT #1078 of 10001
"Mister Spock is on his fanny, sir. Reports heavy damage."
BTW, the "duh, I thought YOU were going to do something" scenario you all are describing is called the Bystander Effect. The more bystanders there are, the lower each bystander feels is his/her responsibility.
§ ita § - Apr 05, 2005 9:08:14 am PDT #1079 of 10001
Well not canonically, no, but this is transformative fiction.
Yeah, Brawley. Brain fart.