I was walking home today and I saw a girl sitting on the ground with blood on her chin and her hands, and a bike nearby. She looked extremely distressed, and although there were two other people there, and one was calling 911, I didn’t feel right just walking past her. So I stayed around to see if I could help with anything.
Wasn’t really sure what else I could do, but I tried to make some conversation with her, see if she remembers where she is, what happened a few seconds ago, where she lives, etc. They say that it’s okay for a person to sleep after a concussion, but I still felt like she should stay conscious.
Within a few minutes the ambulance came and they took care of everything. I was reminded of the two times I had serious bike accidents in college.
The first time, during sophomore year, I fell over my handlebars while braking with one hand and talking on the phone. I said I was okay but I could not stand up without feeling dizzy. A woman stayed with me and insisted that she at least drive me to the student health center. I got a sling for my left arm (I had cracked my elbow) but I was still able to make it to my chemistry midterm that night.
The second time, during senior year, my handlebar caught a bollard and I flipped to the side and hit my head. One person called 911 and made sure I did not try to get up (I was bleeding profusely from my scalp), and the other used my phone to contact my roommate. I went to the hospital and got some stitches, and a friend of mine drove me back to the house in time for dinner. Unfortunately, I had to eat fast because I had Bible study that night — they wouldn’t let me off the hook even though I had just gone to the ER. Don’t get me started.
Anyway, as a bystander today, I had no idea what to do. If someone has already called 911, what else should be done?
