Quote:
Don't forget, the more people who are around, the less likely that any particular person will help you--it's a well known sociological effect (although the name escapes me at the moment).


I've found it helps to single out an individual from the herd. If it's for yourself and not life-threatening, you can look someone in the eye and address them directly like: "Excuse me, but could you please...". Then they'll feel obligated to do something otherwise they'll look/feel like a jerk. If you're tending to someone else that's been hurt, you often have to point at someone and tell them what to do, like: "You! Find a phone if you don't have one and call 911!" Usually works pretty well.