Maybe it was better when T alerts weren't so specific

How many times have people bitched about the T using the generic and hopelessly vague "Medical Emergency" as a catch-all term for any, and all problems? I can't begin to count the number of "medical emergencies" that have delayed trains in front of me in past years. It makes you think that you just happen to end up behind trains with heart attack victims on a regular basis.

The truth may not be pretty, but it's better than not knowing what's going on. The T also gets to essentially say to riders "Look guys! It's honestly not our fault this time! For serious!"

But...

By BStu
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 10:56am

There was a reason for the vague announcements. Yeah, they were annoying. Most so when the T was flat out lying and just using "medical emergency" when it was something else. But you don't go into detail because there is a person's privacy to consider. I get riders wanting to know more and I suspect there are ways for the T to offer more details without giving up too much. I'm uncomfortable with them announcing someone's possible suicide attempt, though. That just doesn't feel right to me.

Privacy?

By Kaz
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 12:16pm

The guy was evidently threatening to kill himself on the Park Street Station platform. I think he left his privacy at home for this one. Most suicides are a public cry for help anyways.

huh?

By SwirlyGrrl
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 12:22pm

Unless they released the name or photo, how is it less private than saying "medical emergency"?

You took the words right out

By Arborway
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 8:49pm

You took the words right out of...er...my fingers.

Even more the reason to not

By ShadyMilkMan
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 12:31pm

Even more the reason to not announce it. People who are suicidal need help, not a public display. Even if people dont know who it is the person will still most likely think people will know. If your trying to commit suicide in a public place you obvious have issues and I prefer the generic "Medical Emergency" explanation.

Whats next are they going to tell me that the train is delayed because some 50 year old man had a heart attack, or someone had an epilectic shock and fell into the tracks? The only real details I need are "how long will it be" "what are you doing to fix it" "should I give up and call a cab?"

been there before?

By sheenaspleena
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 7:02pm

you sound defensive about suicidal folk

obnoxious

By Anonymous
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 8:20pm

Never myself, believe it or

By ShadyMilkMan
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 10:02pm

Never myself, believe it or not Im pretty well balanced.

Its not quite as funny when you know someone who had everything in the world (money, great house, great job, perfect family, seemed so happy with life) and it didnt stop them for committing suicide. I could not imagine what must be going through someones head when they make the attempt, I just think its best that they not be gawked at by half the city while they try to figure it out. If it saves one life I can do without the explanation.

Another Reason

By SwirlyGrrl
Thu, 07/31/2008 - 9:11pm

possibly spurious, but possibly not.

There is a theory that announcing a suicide or a suicidal person's predicament might lead to copycatting.

That's the logic behind not reporting "jumpers" in the media in NYC, according to the cop who tended to a friend of mine who was slightly injured when a someone dove off of a tall building and grazed her as he hit.

Maybe it was better when T alerts weren't so specific

Comments

Could be successful!

10:13pm

Was there a delay because he

To be fair