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Original poster

Man sprawled on front step. WWYD?

177 replies

Lizzie523 · 02/07/2021 20:43

I live in a flat and when the takeaway man came over an hour ago he said a man was banging on the front door and vomiting everywhere (Angry)

Looking out I can see the man is still sitting sprawled across our front step. I moved in 4 months ago and have met all neighbours apart from one, a man. So it could well be him. He hasn't buzzed any of the other flats and he's just sitting there. It will get dark soon. I don't know for sure he lives here but seems probable.

WWYD? I don't want to deal with it at all but feel some sympathy

OP posts:
willyoumeetmeonclareisland · 02/07/2021 20:45

Can you speak to a neighbour...they may know him?

bitheby · 02/07/2021 20:45

Go and check he's ok and ring appropriate authorities for help if needs be.

bitheby · 02/07/2021 20:46

What if he's unwell. Are you assuming that this is self-inflicted? He might need an ambulance.

Original poster
Lizzie523 · 02/07/2021 20:47

I can hear 2 men shouting outside now and he sounds like one of them. I don't really want to get involved as I'm a single woman living alone.

There is no way for me to check who he is without him potentially being able to get inside. He is a big guy. I'll maybe see what happens in the next half hour.

OP posts:
Whatifitallgoesright · 02/07/2021 20:47

So you open the door and he tells you he's no keys and can he kip at yours until he can sort it in the morning. You feel obliged, you now feel anxious and can't get to sleep as he's stumbling around your living room? Go be kind to someone on the internet.

EducatingArti · 02/07/2021 20:48

Phone the police and say that someone needs a welfare check.

CarolinaWeeper · 02/07/2021 20:49

I'd knock and speak to one of your other neighbors and see if they can help.

superstar84 · 02/07/2021 20:49

Phone the police don't go outside on your own

ArnoldBoo · 02/07/2021 20:50

As another woman on her own with kids - do not go out there. There are many situations in which you can safely help people but this one is a bit risky, especially if he is drunk and shouting already.

osbertthesyrianhamster · 02/07/2021 20:50

I'd ring the police non emergency number.

Everydayisawindingroad · 02/07/2021 20:51

@EducatingArti

Phone the police and say that someone needs a welfare check.
This
peoplearepeople · 02/07/2021 20:51

Please go and check on him if you feel comfortable op. If not call someone to help.
There are so many reasons that someone could end up like this. Don't assume it is somebody who is drunk etc.
My son is a type 1 diabetic and it terrifies me how many people won't help someone in trouble nowadays and just think the worst. I worry for him nearly every day he is out alone.
I always help people I see like this and hope that karma will treat me kindly for this one day if needed!

Geamhradh · 02/07/2021 20:51

Don't go out there.
If there's someone else out there let them deal with it.
What's the likelihood realistically speaking that a) he's a lovely fella and is having some sort of unexpected illness b) he's a disgusting drunk.

Original poster
Lizzie523 · 02/07/2021 20:52

All the neighbours are women. I'm just reluctant to get them involved with such a big guy who is out of it to be honest.

If he hasn't shifted in half an hour I'll phone the police. He is still just sitting there. Honestly if it turns out to be a neighbour I'll feel a bit stupid but I've never met him so

OP posts:
PreacherTeacher · 02/07/2021 20:52

Yeah I wouldn't open the door either. Ring 101 and tell them you are concerned for his welfare.

superstar84 · 02/07/2021 20:52

Don't wait 30 mins phone now as it may take then some time to come out

He might need help, but do not go out

Purplewithred · 02/07/2021 20:53

He's conscious and breathing; I'd leave it for a bit and see what happens then if he's not gone by (say) 10 call 101, unless you need to go out in which case I'd call earlier.

couchparsnip · 02/07/2021 20:53

Another vote for the police.
Don't put yourself at risk if you don't need to.

peoplearepeople · 02/07/2021 20:53

Ok. I wrote my post before seeing your update. Advice would be to phone the police.

Shelddd · 02/07/2021 20:54

I wouldn't engage him. More likely he is under the influence of something but he still could be under medical duress or need help in some way even still. Hard to tell without being there. If he needs help bad enough for you to intervened then the relevant authority (ambulance or police) would be the right ones to help him not you. You're not in a position to help, you're more likely to get yourself in a bad position than to help him out.

MrsCrosbyNRTB · 02/07/2021 20:54

Personally I’d call an ambulance. The story I’ve linked is terrifying. He could be seriously unwell.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jun/19/family-seek-guardian-angel-who-saved-father-from-stoke-in-london

TheYearOfSmallThings · 02/07/2021 20:54

I'd just leave him to it tbh, unless you need to go out.

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/07/2021 20:55

@peoplearepeople

Please go and check on him if you feel comfortable op. If not call someone to help. There are so many reasons that someone could end up like this. Don't assume it is somebody who is drunk etc. My son is a type 1 diabetic and it terrifies me how many people won't help someone in trouble nowadays and just think the worst. I worry for him nearly every day he is out alone. I always help people I see like this and hope that karma will treat me kindly for this one day if needed!
I've called 999 for a man I didn't know if it was alcohol or a medical emergency. The call taker told me to smell him. I declined as it wasn't safe. They arrived very quickly.

It's really difficult to know if it's alcohol, a cognitive issue, diabetes or something else. So let the professionals triage.

Original poster
Lizzie523 · 02/07/2021 20:55

The takeaway guy actually forgot to bring me some things and the restaurant offered to send him back - I said no as I didn't want to put him in that position.

If he isn't gone soon I'll call the police. Not comfortable checking on him as he could easily just push the door open. I think it odd he hasn't tried buzzing the other neighbours if he lives here Confused

OP posts:
Shelddd · 02/07/2021 20:55

I wouldn't let him in, even if he says he lives in the building as he could be someone's psychotic ex or something. Unless you know he lives there definitely don't let him in, you could be putting someone else at risk as well as yourself.