This just happened… I was driving home from work, exited onto 5th St, and found a man slumped over at the stop sign. I stopped, called 911, and gave them the details: vomiting, seizing, unconscious but breathing. While on the phone, I directed traffic around his truck. People stopped to take pictures and asked if it was a heroin overdose. I just told them to move, as they were blocking traffic and not helping. I told 911 there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol. The first cop arrived and immediately said it was an overdose. I understand the drug crisis, and I’m sure the officer followed protocol, but it seemed like a quick judgment. He looked at the man and said “OD.” Why? Because he was unconscious, seizing, and possibly dying? The ambulance arrived and got him awake. They asked if he’d used drugs or alcohol, and he said no. They asked why he was sweating, and he said he was diabetic. DIABETIC! They searched his car and found nothing. The ambulance took him, and the other person and I were told we could leave. I’m sharing this because not everyone unconscious needs help because of a drug overdose. Even if they are, it doesn’t matter! There’s a person in need of help. Shouldn’t that be the focus instead of judging? What happened to helping others? That could have been someone’s family member, and he could have died. That’s what should matter. I hope this reminds people of that.
