Sound of the sirens

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Dear Editor:

I have been waiting for the sound of the sirens five times now in my life.

The first time was in a house fire. Next, three hip dislocations. Finally, an accident recently that showed me that all Americans can come together in a time of crisis. And that the government would always come to the rescue soon and did. But the people had to take action first to be sure nothing else bad would happen.

I was going to a play with my girlfriend downtown. She was driving. As we pulled up to the first light, I looked over to the left and saw a man in the median on his back, and a motorcycle in the lane going the other way. I would see a minute later his helmet on the pavement. I said “Pull over, I’m getting out.” I then noticed a woman was standing outside her car, stopped in the middle of a very busy street, 45 mph speed limit. This accident had just happened.

I ran to see the man, and he was awake and trying to get up. Another man and I told him he should lie still until the ambulance was here. My girlfriend and two other drivers got out of their cars to direct traffic in our lanes, and I waved drivers over around the motorcycle. I told the man a few times to wait for the sirens, then you will be sure help is coming fast.

This essay is not about motorcycles or helmets, it is about the people who stopped to help. I looked around and counted six people working together to get the traffic out of the way until the police arrived. We had no time nor the inclination to ask who is a liberal or who is a conservative. What are our cultural differences, race, creed, and color? We didn’t ask because we didn’t have to. Everyone who was helping was simply acting like an American should. Helping a complete stranger who was in trouble. Knowing what to do to make sure the area was clear of traffic and potential other accidents. Calling 911 immediately to get a quick reaction.

The goal of helping this man stay safe until the first responders arrived was achieved. Americans can and should respond together in times of crisis. It is crucial for the future as a nation to come together.

It was how everyone responded while waiting for the sirens.

It gave me hope.

Brian Van Dyke
Noblesville