A few minutes ago I was visiting my local grocery store (co-op) and heard a crash and a thud, to my left. There I saw a guy sprawled out on the floor, having taken some of the contents of the shelves with him.
I approached quickly, and tried to guage a response, given that he was lying flat (not far off the recovery position) with his eye's fixed and blood trickling out of his nose.
After what seemed like eternity, but was likely only a couple of seconds, he groaned and started answering my questions. He sounded drunk (could have just been dazed, or worse) but didn't smell of alcohol.
After a few more seconds one of the shop-stewards was at his side and taking over and insisting he lay still, with another one having hightailed it to call an ambulance. As I walked off (there was nothing to do and I hadn't actually witnessed anything as it happened) another customer was visably upset and commented on the fact.
By the time I was halfway through the checkout queue the paramedics had arrived (they were QUICK!).
The human shock response never ceases to amaze me, both for those injured and those confronted with an accident (especially car-wrecks). I've been around a few minor accidents, in my time (nothing more major than impalings) and been on several training courses, but it still always has some affect. I was a little more concerned for the other poor old customer, though. She was shaking.
Sometimes the body's sudden response to get ready for action has a negative effect, if it remains unfulfilled. Perhaps I should go blow off some steam in the gym