Looking Out for Strangers

A lot happens on MUNI. Even when I'm trying to hide behind a book, a lot happens on MUNI. So much happens that my reactions are quicker and the book often gets put away.

About 6 months ago, there was a group of commuters riding the MUNI from downtown to the Caltrain station. An elderly gentleman got on. There were open seats so in my innocence I didn't worry about it. The MUNI train took off with a lurch (as they always do) and he fell over. Fell over doesn't quite do it justice. He toppled over, and slammed his head into the plastic siding. Fortunately plastic.

There was a nasty moment when he wasn't moving. Someone, who obviously had a bit of medical training, rushed over and by then the elderly gentleman had started to stir. This turned out okay in the end, but it left a lasting impression. Now, whenever the train stops, and people get on, I have a quick scan round to see if someone is likely to run into trouble.

This has been a good thing at least once. An older gentleman with a cane boarded the MUNI at Embarcadero and the train started moving before he got to his seat. I grabbed hold of him as he stumbled, and he held onto my arm and shoulder, so he managed to keep his feet.

Right now the MUNI trains are so crowded in the afternoon it's less of a worry. If someone starts to fall they can't go very far; they run into the people next to them. So trodden toes, but no concussions. I often brace myself against one wall in the afternoon. I'm young and healthy and always have comfortable shoes on so I'm more likely to stand and it's a good spot for a dash to the Caltrain.

On Friday, the train was already full when an older, not elderly, man got on. Old enough that he might come to harm, but young enough that he would be probably be offended if someone offered him a seat. I was standing behind and slightly to one side of him so I put away my book.

A young man who was also braced against the wall was beside me. The older man in front of us was not holding on when the train started and he lost his balance a bit. There was no thought involved, I just put up a hand to help stabilize him. I don't even remember lifting my hand. He got hold of the railing before he stumbled that far back, but the young man next to me smiled and said something I didn't quite catch. He'd obviously been watching as well and had been prepared to catch him if the older man had really lost his balance.

No crisis in this case, but it's refreshing to see people unobtrusively looking out for each other.

Comments

[Alia]

Oooo, I like the new design!