I ended up tying up emergency services. While driving home, I heard someone screaming under a bridge. When I checked it out, I found a developmentally delayed homeless woman with what looked like a serious leg injury. I called paramedics and stayed with her until they arrived. She told me she’s been homeless since she was 17 and is now 41. When the paramedics showed up, she suddenly became unsure if she wanted help. She crawled out from under the bridge, started yelling at them, and ultimately refused treatment. Then she limped off into the dark. I tracked her down afterward, and she gave me a half-hearted explanation for why she said no. It’s no wonder emergency services are overwhelmed. I’d love to know how many calls end exactly like this: someone in clear crisis, responders doing everything they can, and the person refusing care at the last second. I don’t regret calling 911. Her leg looked bad, and she asked for help. The medics handled it professionally, but in the end she declined. The fact that she’s been homeless her entire adult life says a lot. She receives Social Security, yet still lives on the street. Tonight was another reminder of a painful truth: you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.