Helping fellow passenger(s) at at times of real need

[whole diary]

[grahame]

Had I been present I would have volunteered to assist with the carrying of luggage or the wheelchair.  I would have been reluctant to assist the disabled man myself for fear of doing something wrong and being subject to legal action.

Taking that out of context

I have thoughts about "am I putting myself at risk?" far more than I used to. Really rather sad; not sure if there's more things to worry about these days, or simply that we hear about if far more.  Concerns include the risk of being open to something going wrong (as above), the risk of being accused of something, and even the risk of violence or threat against my person or property.  In the white heat of a situation, what would I do?  Would it be the same as what I would do, thinking about it ahead of time?

[Electric train]

My answer is Probably, after careful thought, this is due to often I am involved in work activities on stations which would be hazardous if I stopped what I was doing

[GBM]

These days (as in first aid training), it's very much "Consider yourself first" before proceeding towards the casualty.
Yes, I would help as and where I could, but need to keep myself safe as well.

[broadgage]

It also depends on the nature of the incident.
In the specific case of the wheelchair user mentioned above, They were not in any immediate danger and could have waited for properly qualified help. Had I intervened it could have all gone horribly wrong. Leave it to the experts. I WOULD have considered telephoning for said experts as has already been said.

In the case of say a terrorist attack with numerous casualties, then I would attempt to save lives with basic first aid treatment.
I am thinking here of the Manchester Arena attack in which  the emergency services did not do very well.
Whilst the emergency services are busy setting up procedures, zones, and perimeters, lives can be saved by stopping severe bleeding. Less risk of being accused of making it worse, if the victim would clearly have died without my inexpert attention.
And further away, consider the recent mass shooting at a school in America. Had I been within the building I MIGHT have been able to preserve life whilst the police were still at the planning and procedural stage.

[CyclingSid]

I am afraid it is now Probably, or even Possibly, after having been abused for offering in the past.

[broadgage]

I voted "probably after careful thought"
In the SPECIFIC CASE of the wheelchair user I would have voted "probably not" but AIUI^▸ (as I understand it) the poll referred to more general cases., including for example first aid treatment after a bomb, rescue from fire or flood etc. In such cases I would probably assist persons in imminent danger.

[IndustryInsider]

There is a big difference between the common event of general help/assistance and the far less common event of life saving assistance being required.

I would need to see the clarification as to which events are included before considering a vote.

[TaplowGreen]

There is a big difference between the common event of general help/assistance and the far less common event of life saving assistance being required.

I would need to see the clarification as to which events are included before considering a vote.

Perhaps accompanied by a full risk assessment and method statement, sight of relevant insurance policies and copies of signed disclaimers from all concerned? (in triplicate, naturally!) 

[broadgage]

Not forgetting the impact on newts, bats, and wild haggis.

[IndustryInsider]

There is a big difference between the common event of general help/assistance and the far less common event of life saving assistance being required.

I would need to see the clarification as to which events are included before considering a vote.

Perhaps accompanied by a full risk assessment and method statement, sight of relevant insurance policies and copies of signed disclaimers from all concerned? (in triplicate, naturally!) 

Nah, important though they are, that’s way TMI in order to make a decision on what to vote for in a coffee shop poll.

[Henry]

 Perhaps I'm a bit 'old fashioned' I suppose it's like giving up your seat on a crowded bus.

 I would always ask first, 'can I give you a hand' or 'are you OK there'.

[TaplowGreen]

  I would always ask first, 'can I give you a hand'

............and if the answer is "yes", step back and give a round of applause! 

[grahame]

I am ... delighted ... to acknowledge the unanimous desire of our community to help if there was/is real need as shown by this poll.

Yes, of course we consider putting ourselves at risk too, and make sure we do not create another danger by leaving another vital job we are doing.