I believe most Americans are good-hearted and sympathetic, but many people are uncomfortable in situations when they don't know how to act. It's their failing not yours, but that's no comfort to you, is it?
Many Americans have been told, "Stay out of the way and let the professionals do their job." I guess the assumption is that doctors and nurses are everywhere, and always on call in case someone is in distress. (That's totally not the case, of course.) Also there is the fear of liability, "what if I step in to help, and then later on I'm slapped with a lawsuit?" This happens more often than you might think.
I'm glad that you encountered a few kind souls who did make an effort to help you. They were probably "paying it forward" for a time when a stranger came forward and helped them, just as you plan to do.
Good luck dear and thanks for sharing this story!
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