Wasn't sure if this would go under patrol or not, since I wasn't patrolling (Nor do I feel I am ready to don the uniform and gimmick), I was merely spending an evening out with my girlfriend. Where about to pull out of a parking lot of a restaurant when I notice a pick up truck, about 30 feet away at the stop light running through a red light. And I think, hey that's odd. Then I notice the car that had the legal right away slowly accelerate in front of this behemoth of metal and well, obviously they collided.

<.< and my precious sweet heart was to caught up in her ice cream to have notice, I had to point it out to her. I immediately witness at least 3 people exit there cars to help the situation, and I having taken my new found oath, pulled into a near by parking lot and started looking for roadsigns... and with in mere 2 minutes of the crash happening Firefighters pull up. And at this point I leave the scene because I didn't know what else to do and didn't want to get in the way. It's kinda nagging me that maybe I could of done more, but at this point I'm still just a schmuck with good intentions. Figured it was best to leave well enough alone seeing as huge emergency personnel already were there.

Anyway, I figured I'd relay this story to say how elated I was to see strangers help strangers, I was shocked and very pleased....

Then some selfish witch started yelling at one of the helpers to move his car. Somethings never change, eh?

Hello,

It's always nice when citizens unexpectedly do what they are supposed to do in a crisis. You did well. You looked for a way to help, and then when the situation changed, you made sure to get out of the way.

Doing the right thing isn't always flashy. Getting the right thing done is the point.

Even if the right thing is moving on because the pros are on top of it.

Seconded! Good job, Chessman. And when the professional emergency workers show up, that's your time to step back. We're there to help in any way we can, and part of that is knowing when to stop helping.

If you haven't already, you might consider getting trained in first aid and CPR. Or if you're willing to spend the time and money, invest in emergency medical training. That way if something really awful happens in front of you, you can be ready to render assistance until the EMTs or police get there.

Once the Police and the EMT's arrive, you would only get in their way so it's good that you did what you did.

exactly what they said. the fact that you were ready to help is great but when the pro's show up you leave it to them.

check out the red cross and any firefighter or first responder training you can find in your area. I know we have some here and thats exactly what i plan on training in for just such a situation

kewl.

Reminds me of my youthful days (less than four years ago) sitting in my car (which is ironically junked for parts now), watching the aftermath of car accidents while listening to smoooooth jazz and snacking on gas station food. Good times...

Also, excellent work, good sir.

-Malvado SV

I'm actually really impressed with everyone's reactions; the citizens on the scene, the emergency workers, yourself at the time, and the members posting after you here.

A couple of you are relatively recent additions, but your answers here certainly show a good understanding of exactly where our priorities should be as RLSH.

Bravo!

I can only mirror what Statesman and everyone else has said so far really.

I see myself as you apparently do Chessman, a newcomer who's just trying to make a difference. You'll always have those pangs of doubt after something like that, asking yourself if you could have done more? I think thats natural for someone who wants to do good for their fellow man/woman. But you kept your head, you kept calm, and you didn't add any confusion or complications to an already complicated situation; in my books you did everything that could have been asked of you.

It's always good to hear something like this. I hope the driver of the car wasn't too badly injured.

Fine work.

You don't need a costume and a gimmick to be a hero, just stepping up when the situation calls for it is enough.

BA