I'm so upset! I wanted to help - and caused nothing but trouble!

[Kirsten]

Don't feel bad you did the right thing. I don't know how things work there but here she wouldn't be responsible for the bill, she didn't call for help. I would think she could fight that, she never requested assistance. Once you called it was up to the police what to do.

Well, yes, I was thinking it was the same here, and some people told me it would be like that, but obviously they were wrong. I think they blame her for not opening door, but she simply didn't hear it!! I think it's so ridiculous!!

[Karen]

I would protest, and write letters, and get local officials - and especially the media- involved. I am sure any reasonable person would have done what you did! Maybe they can get her some sort of device to help her, to boost the doorbell, etc., given her medical condition!

[Asiel]

Kirsten don't feel bad about what you did--- the same thing happened to me a few yrs back. I was chatting on the phone with a good friend when she heard a loud noise and then I went silent but she could hear me breathing pretty loud. After not getting a response from me she dialed an ambulance and then called my husband's work. Lucky for me she did that, I had fallen asleep but fell with the phone under me, which is why she could hear breathing. I've had narcolepsy plus a few other problems for ages but never told anyone about it. Had she not cared enough to worry and call for help I would have gotten in worse trouble yet. After being pulled through the whole thing I made sure she and a few others that were close to me knew about some of the problems that I could encounter.
If I was her I would fight that bill though--- over here nothing like that would ever happen. I find that so strange.

[Scooter's Mom]

I think you're such a caring friend! You absolutely did the right thing!

[Kirsten]

Karen, yes, I was already thinking about getting the media involved because I think it's scandalous that she's has to pay this bill. No one will care for anyone else anymore if it ruins you financially!

Asiel, yes, that sounds like a similar situation and I'm glad you got help! I think the difference is that my friend was fine - just asleep - when they opened the door. If there was an emergency case, her health insurance would have been in charge.

Scooter's Mom, thank you. Everyone's telling me I did the right thing, but now I caused her so many problems. I'm really upset!

[pomtzu]

You did the right thing, and in no way should you feel bad about it. You'd certainly feel worse if it had been a true emergency and you chose to do nothing.

[moosmom]

I echo EVERYTHING said here! I hope MY friends do what you did if they can't get ahold of me. That is my biggest fear, dying (God forbid!) alone!!

If I were your friend, I'd fight it.