Accidental Kindness
This afternoon I witnessed the kindness of strangers in a rather unfortunate situation.
I was also reminded me of the frailty of human life and how precious it is.
I had just got into my car, rolled down the window because it was so hot and turned on the ignition. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed something odd about fifteen metres up the road. I looked again to make sure I wasn't seeing things. A man had been hit by a car, I saw him crumple to the ground. I couldn't tell you who or what car hit him as I was a bit far away, although I did notice people start to pull over. I whipped out my phone and called Hatzolah as I jumped out of my car to go and see if anyone else had called emergency. A number of people had stopped and were assisting the man, checking to see if he was conscious or if he could be moved off the road. He could not be moved so others who had stopped when they saw the accident directed traffic, found a box to shade the man from the hot sun.
It took a few minutes until the police and emergency services arrived and during that time, there were a few people talking to the injured man to keep his spirits up (he was conscious) and ensured that the traffic didn't get in the way. Another passerby on her evening walk commented to me that it was really nice that people had actually stopped to help. Which it was.
I waited around because I couldn't get my car out (the traffic had backed up) and I was also a little shaken at having witnessed that. I don't know if the man was ok (he was conscious and with good movement in his legs) but the medics used extreme care to move him to the ambulance. The strangers that stopped to help do deserve a thank you, as do the paramedics from Hatzolah who all took time out to help with this accident. This was definitely a reminder to drive safely, be aware of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles as well as to be careful when walking, crossing roads and driveways.
Obviously an accident is not something we want to happen but if it ever does, it is nice to know that there are kind strangers out there who take out the time to stop and help and wonderful volunteers, like Hatzolah, there for you in an emergency.
