Compassion or rude

[ktheodos]

So.....I was at event yesterday and a guy collapsed in the parking lot....I arrived at the incident when the guy was on the ground and although he had someone there to support him as well as someone on the phone with 911, I figured I would just stay in the area in case extra help was needed (not too close, not too far away)....not saying anything, just staying there....several people came by, and stayed for a bit, then left-one said "we shouldn't stay around"......eventually the ambulance came and took them away, so I left.....my question is, do people thinking hanging around is compassionate/right thing to do, or rude?? (or can it vary depending on circumstances, etc.?)

[Onlinedou2]

Since you were just noticing if the person was ok, i think there was nothing rude about it, don't worry about it.

[cloudsoup]

it depends on the situation. i hate when i'm in traffic
due to an accident, and people ''rubber neck'' the scene
as they drive by. yes, we all glance, but people can be so
nosey sometimes...

on the other hand, i've watched shows where nobody comes
to aid a person in need and just walks on by or just stares.
i say try to help, or ask those who are already helping if there's
anything you can do, if you're going to stay around the scene.
your good intentions sound compassionate, not rude 

[mh874892]

I think it all depends on your intentions. If you honestly want to help and are staying around for support, like in your case, then it is definitely compassionate. However, if you are hovering just to see what's going on and to be nosy, then I say it's rude.