Assistance In Time Of Need

It was a normal day, heading out to buy lunch. I headed down the lift with just a 10 dollar bill in my hand. When the doors of the lift opened, I was greeted with the sight of an elderly gentleman in his 70s sitting down on the public bench of the lift lobby with his arms on his walking frame. This was a time of social distancing and avoiding patronising public common spaces, where usage of public places are frowned upon. Yet, sometimes things are not what it seems.

As I walked out of the lift and nearer towards him, he was gesturing to me to come forward and also spoke out to me in Mandarin - "Can you send me to the hospital?". Immediately I went forward towards him and started to ask what was wrong and how I could help. Apparently, he had sprained his back and had difficulty with walking and moving but he was not in any immediate medical danger. I reassured him and asked him to remain in the most comfortable position. So it was, I was holding on to my 10 dollar bill with no phone to call for an ambulance. I thought that at that time, the most important thing was to stay with him and to hopefully borrow a phone from anyone passing by. 

Pacing and looking around, eventually, a lady came down from another lift. I went up to her and explained the situation quickly. Likewise, it was reflex action for her to lend me her phone and we quickly got into contact with getting an ambulance arranged for him. I thanked her on behalf of the elderly gentleman. 

The ambulance arrived soon after and the paramedics took over and he was safely escorted to the nearest hospital.  

Kindness abounds even in times of Covid-19 and social distancing. Let us continue to keep an eye out for others who may appear unwell or in need of assistance!