I'm not feeling well today and home curled up in bed. So I'm craving a stimulating conversation. Are you ready?
How many times have you driven past a vehicle accident without stopping to help? Have you ever seen a physical altercation and just kept walking by? This is a very common reaction and nothing to be ashamed of or judged upon.
Part of it is due to the "Bystander Effect". You probably have heard of it. It's a common social psychology theory that states the presence of others actually hinders an individual from intervening in an emergency situation. The more bystanders = the greater chance noone will intervene to help. Most people wait and trust that someone else will step in and assist the person in distress. They don't feel that it is their responsibility.
The other part of it? Well, I think there's 2 kinds of people in these type of circumstances.
The person that looks at danger/ car accidents/ risky situations, etc and simply watches or moves on because it doesn't involve them or a different reason I suppose but ultimately they don't interfere. This is the majority of us.
Or the person that instinctively runs to danger just to help in any small way. It's not even a conscious decision. There are no second thoughts, just instincts.
I am unapologetically the 2nd type. I have intervened in countless situations in my life. It may be dangerous or reckless (Okay, I'm certain it is) but I just jump in without even thinking. A full cannonball into the deep end. I get a sense of calmness and hyperfocus and hours can pass in the blink of an eye.
I've sat on the ground beside a flipped car on the highway. Crouched amid piles of glass in the snow, just to hold the hand of someone trapped and keep them calm while waiting for rescue.
I've kneeled in the backseat of a vehicle in blood and debris to stabilize the elderly passenger's head and keep him from moving until help arrived.
I've jumped in front of some intoxicated young men. They were kicking the shit out of someone unconscious and I shielded him with my body.
I've intervened when a man on the street was being rough and physically abusing his lady out of anger. She was crying and screaming for help. It resulted in me being hit instead but it was worth it.
Only hours after these situations occurred, was I able to comprehend the risk to myself. When the adrenaline is rushing through my body, all I can think is to just do something. Anything. At least try.
I'd love to hear others' thoughts and opinions on this.
And if you read my post today, I hope you find a middle ground. Don't drive on by and not help someone that may need it. But don't be careless and rush into danger. Be cautious, rational and caring. You could make a difference in someone's life. ♡
