It's probably not any consolation, but my dad is involved in 2 regional search & rescue groups that are totally volunteer staffed, and thoroughly professional. They don't even have to wait for the authority's wait time, they go out as soon as it is reported.

I have a fear of witnessing a stranger collapse. Because I have NOTHING to offer, not even a cell (I don't usually carry it.) I can't imagine walking away, but I've never been tested. OTOH, I've called 911 for neighbors and ended up subpoened in a DV case where I'd seen something involving a relative stranger (though I couldn't identify anyone, just the circs), so maybe I'd have the guts to do something.

I think people don't act or don't want to get involved because they don't know what to do. It's a weird thing.

Gear question: Do any of you have or have any of you used a Flip Video? There's a great side by side comparison of the Flip Video and a much higher end camcorder.

I saw a guy get hit by a car once. Someone shouted that they were a nurse and went to his side, so I peeled off and called 911. I think that's the only 911 call I've made. I know now that I should have told the onlookers that I was going to call, but mostly I was motivated to not be one of the people staring slackjawed at him. It was kinda horrible, but I'm sure he was okay in the end.

I do have CPR training, but it's rusty. That would be the test--would I give a complete stranger mouth to mouth without any tools? I'd do chest compressions and clearing the airway as much as I could remember, but the bit with the spit--I'd need to be in the moment to know how that would come out.

Jessica mentioned Flip videothingummie in Buffistechnology. And I think Rob answered her question. So that's two.

The locals seem to do better here. We had a guy outside the library that was not well. And did not speak English. Someone who had a smattering of his language got the word diabetes and had had little food. Someone gave her kids McDonald's dinner to him. His family was called, because he wouldn't let us call the ambulance. Now, we did find out why he was so ill. The bag with the empty bottle was the clue. But whatever, people helped.

Do any of you have or have any of you used a Flip Video?

I think Jessica might have one? And she knows this shit. I've played around, and found them endearingly easy and fun, but I've never done any real comparisons.

and that guard - an asshat

The comparison videos on the blog are really great.

When I took CPR training (I really need to get recertified -- it was about ten years ago), they were selling these mask things so that you could give CPR without actual lip-to-lip contact. One of the kinds folded up pretty tiny, so that you could keep it in a purse or briefcase just in case.

I guess the DV thing means I might act. It was just so freaky. Some guy busted the window of a minivan with a club and someone I knew as a neighbor by sight was freaking out. She'd called 911, I gave her my name and number because I was a witness. No one ever talked to me. Months later, after I'd forgotten about it, I got the subpoena. I felt bad I couldn't remember the faces involved, but jeez, no one told me I'd be called.

I've been "talked to" by the cops on several occasions. Never once in those cases have I been asked my name. Which seems kinda wrong, but they do know my address, I guess.