Man hit by car; No one stops to help

[Dionysus]

Good example of bystander apathy. It's really disturbing to know that the more people are present in a crisis the less likely they will help.

[jon1856]

Originally Posted by Dionysus

Good example of bystander apathy. It's really disturbing to know that the more people are present in a crisis the less likely they will help.

^^^^While reading the new postings, I was starting to think about this as well.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by Dionysus

Good example of bystander apathy. It's really disturbing to know that the more people are present in a crisis the less likely they will help.

If you are the only person reacting to an emergency, point directly to a specific bystander and give them a specific task such as, "You. Call the police." These steps place all responsibility on a specific person instead of allowing it to diffuse.

I have personally found this to be the best course of action in an emergency. When you call out "somebody call 911" people look around like "ok so who's calling?" Crazy humans. When you point to someone, it jolts them out of their shock and brings them back to responsibility. A person can help. "People" cannot. So true.