I was just about to leave the mall. Scooting to a back entrance that not many seem to use. (Love that entrance because it is not very busy back there.) As I walked by the escalator I glanced up and saw a gray faced lady sitting on the steps as they descended. Huh? This isn’t normal. I hesitated for a moment, took a step back and yelled up. Are you okay? She shook her head adamantly. NO.
I dropped my bags and ran to the bottom of the escalator. Met her there just in time. Simultaneously, I began to politely request help from the people who were just walking by. Walking by? Screw polite! HELLO!!! WE NEED HELP. I began to yell. That got me some attention.
Two old birdies came rushing over to help us.
Between the three “rescuers’” we got the sweet gray faced lady sitting at the bottom of the stairs. Managed to have her placed so she was not getting sucked in or pushed off those incredibly steep stairs. This was thanks to some fancy manoeuvring and the quick thinking of someone who hit the emergency stop button. This someone was not me. *Note to self. In case of emergency, lift up glass at the end of the escalator, hit the STOP button.
Suddenly all those old First Aid skills kicked back in. I don’t know where they were hiding, but they were not forgotten. Can you breath? Can you speak. Someone needs to get emergency services. You in the brown sweater. Get emergency services. I was a freakin drill sergeant, but remained calm. Two of us stayed with our victim, rubbed her hands, kept her as calm as possible until help arrived. To the credit of the Mall, it did not take long. We were then unceremoniously dismissed. Gray faced lady perked up a bit, thanked us. I went on my way.
As I strode out to my car, that is when my hands started to shake. What if I hadn’t seen her slumped down on the escalator. What if that had been my Mom? What if that had been me? Why didn’t more people stop to lend a hand? There was no gory blood, no bad guy, just a sweet senior citizen in need of a little help.
I’m proud to be able to say I did the right thing. I’m mortified to admit I did it all in SassyModernMom style. Between tossing my purchases to the side and pulling the sweet little old late from the jaws of death squeaky steps of the escalator to the Mall floor I am pretty sure my low rise pants were flashing a bit of butt crack. Classy.
Today, I am shamed by the number of citizens in this world who walked by and did not offer a hand, and so thankful for the kindness of strangers. Today I am glad I could pay it forward.
Tell me. What do you think you would have done, and why aren’t more people willing to get involved?
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I would have done the same as you! I am always astonished by the way people just “ignore” the things around them.
I am always helping people at the grocery store…not in emergencies or anything but there are always elderly people that could use some help…from locating to something to unloading the scooter basket I have done it all and everything in between. I dont do it for thanks, just out of courtesy. Thankfully my hubs is the same way..always offering help. He has pulled over and helped put out a fire at someones house and even helped a policewoman change her tire.
You know, this is funny that you wrote about this because really recently I had a class that was all about how people react under circumstances just like these. And too my surprise, many people do not stop and help anyone out. I was so shocked I immediately said to the person beside me I would help no matter what! no matter how busy my day is, no matter who that person is, homeless, young, old, female or male…. I would pay it forward the best I can in that moment of time…. and the person beside me said, ya thats what you think you would do and you wouldnt… I was appauld because that just goes to show that, I am admitting I would and others have already denied that they would help even before the situation has arrived. I don’t know, but all I can say is that this class was about how people are like pack animals, they act together and do what most others tend to do… so if people notice that others arent helping, it is innate to them to not help either… and those that do are pack leaders. Sad to say, not many pack leaders are present in this world especially now more than ever… But you are, and you are one of those individuals that make a difference that show others what is the right thing to do…. did you notice that once you helped out… those who seen you helping started to stop and stare or start getting involved? yep … they followed the pack leader! youre amazing, just hope your story opens up alot of peoples eyes!
You are awesome. I would have helped too. Whenever I am in situations like that and I do help I can never let go of the thought of the other person- the victim. Is she a mom? Grandma? Will she go home and tell her husband what happened at the mall? Or does she go home to a quiet apartment she occupies, alone.
Do you find yourself thinking about her and pondering the what happened next question?
It’s so sad that people don’t offer to stop and do more when people need it. So, so sad. Karma….that kind of thing comes back around.
I love that I can with out a doubt know that I would have stopped to help!!
She was lucky you were there
Kudos to you!
I absolutely would have stopped, but I think I would have ignored her when she sent the responders away, and called 911. I tend to OVERreact in these situations. 🙁
Wow. I hope she’s okay. It’s disturbing that so many are so unwilling to help another person. I really don’t understand that. I was touched and educated by your post. I never knew there is an emergency stop button on escalators. It makes sense – duh. Just never thought about it and I hope I never have to use it.
I totally would have helped! My husband?… not so much. Whenever I see someone on the side of the road or someone walking in the snow or whatever I always beg my husband to stop and help and he never does!! He thinks people can take care of themselves and I always want to help everyone. I’m glad you were there for that lady! You are awesome!
I would *hope* that most of the people walking past just didn’t see her rather than choosing to ignore her. But, I’ve seen this kind of thing happen in numerous places.
When I lived in London I once fainted as I was getting off a train – I fell right onto the platform, and I’m not kidding – twenty commuters stepped over me and not one stopped to help or ask if I was okay!
Good for you for helping that woman.
I’ve done some reading on the “why” people fail to stop in these situations sometimes, and how the person like you- who does- gets the crowd started. The studies on why this happens are fascinating. This was like reading the study. You help, then others come along.
I’m glad we have people like you!
thats terrible that no one helped. I think ppl are self absorbed sometimes and don’t even notice if someone needs help.
Good for you. Is is possible the others didn’t see the little slumped lady? You would hope that’s the reason. I am always amazed at how our instincts to do the right thing just kick in and then it’s afterwards that you realize what happened. Thank goodness you were there!!!!
Its so fortunate that YOU noticed that she needed some help! I would have been one of those that would have stepped in to help. A senior in need is someone that everyone should stop to help. I have to admit that if the person was younger and looked sketchy, like they could take me out, I probably would have just told a store clerk and not eagerly jump up to help. I think I watch too many crime dramas, lol.
How wonderful of you to step in and help her. I just can’t believe people would walk by and not even question if she was okay. She was so lucky (and grateful I’ sure) that you happened upon her.
You’re an angel.
How wonderful of you to step in and help her. I just can’t believe people would walk by and not even question if she was okay. She was so lucky (and grateful I’ sure) that you happened upon her.
You’re an angel.