This is not uncommon. When I was an EMT riding on the city squads we ran across this often. The larger the group watching, the less chance that one person will step forward.
The ARC has interviewed people in this situation and it is not litigation fear that prevents people from taking action. According to the interviews every one was waiting for "someone" else.
One of the objectives to the ARC First Responder program is to get someone to be that "someone" to take the first step.
It is not that people don't care, or that they are afraid of lawsuits (they may be afraid of contamination though). It is more a function of group mentality. No one wants to be the first on the dance floor.
It is most unfortunate.
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abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.
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