Don't Collapse on the T or You Might Die

Know how the T says to alert a crew member in case of emergency? Apparently that doesn't apply to medical emergencies, or if it does, T protocol is to have non-medically-trained employees assess a person in need of medical attention as a drunk, then keep the train rolling for more than 20 minutes while that person remains unconscious. In an extremely troubling case, T riders report attempting to get help for a collapsed fellow passenger, only to be completely stonewalled by T multiple officials. Even after T police finally conceded to call EMTs, the train took off without waiting for the EMTs to arrive, or removing the collapsed man from the train. When drivers finally stopped for the emergency at South Station, the man was taken to Tufts-New England Medical Center. EMTs at South Station described the man's situation as "minor."

The T got lucky this time, but previously, in 20-minute delays of medical attention, Dr. James R. Allen died from cardiac arrest on a commuter train in 2002. Apparently it's not enough for the T to make you late—now it's got to try and kill you, too. To have untrained individuals assess medical situations is inexcusable and dangerous. And even if someone is "just drunk," that doesn't mean the person doesn't need medical help—alcohol poisoning is a serious matter. The T is clearly unequipped to handle medical emergencies, and it's miraculous that more people haven't died as a result. The T needs to reevaluate its response to emergency situations and improve its ability to save lives when necessary.

It's nothing to smile about, Charlie.