You Can't Turn Your Back on People in Need

If I have learned just one thing from my husband in the 4+ years we have been married, it is that you can't turn your back on people in need. It may be inconvenient at times, but helping someone when they need it most is what makes you a better human being.

Today I was driving home from school and noticed a homeless man, lying on the ground at a bus stop. There were two people with him but they seemed at a loss as to what to do, so I turned around and offered my assistance. Of the two men who were helping one was, himself, homeless (also a friend of the injured man), the other a concerned employee from across the street. 911 had been called twice, but there was no ambulance in sight. I immediately went to the truck, got as many napkins as I could find and my water bottle and gave them to the friend who wet them down and applied them to the injured man's forehead, arms and neck. We had no idea what was wrong with him, he was in and out of consciousness, when he was asked a question he didn't respond correctly, he was flailing uncontrollably (presumably from a seizure), in extreme pain, and couldn't open his eyes. After a third call to 911, an ambulance arrived within 3 minutes and began working on the man.

Apparently the injured man's name is Roger and Police and Fire have been having a lot of problems with him lately, including fighting. Apparently the source of his seizures is a baseball bat to the head a couple weeks ago. Jim, the other homeless man, and I stayed just in case EMS/Fire/Police had any questions for us. While we waited, I had an opportunity to talk to Jim about his life on the streets. He was a delightfully kind man who couldn't stop thanking me for stopping and offering water. He also asked me for a ride to his next location, which I politefully declined, but gave him enough money to take the bus and get himself something to eat. Jim assured me that he would let Roger know of my kindness and that someone cared for him.

I also had the opportunity to speak to one of the fire fighters who filled me in about Roger and Jim, the increased problems they are having with homeless people, the ineffectiveness of the health care system who keep these homeless guys for 2 hours than kick them back out onto the streets, and the repetitive cycle they (Police/Fire/EMS) are forced to perpetuate.

As a human being, I am relieved that Roger got the help that he needed.

As a Tucsonan, I am heartened by how professional and amiable the Tucson Police Department and the Tucson Fire Department were towards Roger and the rest of us.

As an anthropology student, I found the whole experience enlightening!