So, funny story.
And by funny, I mean only in retrospect. Totally not funny at the time.
This morning, Tyler gave me the heads up that there was an accident on the cTrain. Since I take both the bus and the train to work, there really wasn’t any other way to commute so I just had to endure the congestion since the train was only running on a certain portion of the line.
I take the bus no problem to the train station where I can already see the clusterf*ck of people waiting for trains to arrive. Then proceed to pack in like sardines. I got into a train, and pulled out my phone to keep myself busy with my latest book. I was definitely one of those sardines and had 2 mm of personal space- standing of course. The guy comes over the intercom and said the trains were really running slow and it would take approximately 45 minutes to reach downtown. Groan.
I continue reading my book and we slowly crawl towards downtown calgary. At one particular stop, the doors opened and so many people crammed into the already crammed train that my 2mm of space was compacted to about .5mm. The doors closed and we stood still for what felt like forever. All of a sudden, I started to get REALLY hot. I tried to ignore it since I knew the ride would be a lot longer, but pretty soon I couldn’t ignore the discomfort and I attempted to undo my coat buttons.
Then, the hot flash turned into a hot flash with a barfy feeling. I tried leaning over to gain some relief- no help. I turn towards the door and a woman behind me asks if I need to sit down and I remember responding to her that I needed to get off the train. Cut to a few minutes later, I came to and I was being escorted by a fellow male commuter to a nearby bench.
I completely blacked out.
That has NEVER happened to me before. I don’t know what happened (I’m guessing combination of too much coffee + standing backwards in a HOT crowded train + reading in a moving vehicle) but the man who helped me out said that he was a diabetic and had to be assisted on many occasions and only felt right doing the same for me. I didn’t even realize what stop we were at or the fact that he even said I wasn’t acting myself- which is weird since I don’t know the guy. But when I came to, I was profusely sweating. And shaking because when I realized what happened I had totally freaked out.
He wanted to stay with me until he was sure I was ok- and after a few minutes of fresh air, I assured him I was (minus the freaked-out feeling of course). I was profusely thanking him for assisting me.
Then, I realized how screwed I was because the trains were so packed and there was NO way I’d get on another one anytime soon to continue my commute to work. About 7 or so trains later, I finally managed to squeeze on another and get to work only about an hour late.
Moral of the story-
1) don’t drink too much coffee too fast
2) don’t try to read while standing backwards on a train
3) pack a personal fan or coldpak
4) kind strangers DO exist
nutcaseinpoint 
Ah that sucks that happened to you! Glad there was some nice people around to help you though. That almost happened to me a couple of times when we were in Europe. The metros were so hot, packed plus I had my large traveling backpack on. Not fun at all!
Scary! I am glad you are okay. I fainted at the gym once, definitely freaky!
That’s definitely no fun to have happen but it is nice to know there are people out there willing to help!
Oh that sucks! I’ve never actually blacked out on the train before, but come close. I’ve fainted a number of times so I know the feeling. I try to bring water with me on hot days since it can get so ridiculously stuffy on those trains. I’ve also been on many trains with “medical emergencies” since it’s been hot and people start passing out. One of the many reasons I hate the train.
I also get very nauseous reading on the train. I usually get a seat though so I can close my eyes and rest my head if necessary.
That’s great that a nice guy helped you. It’s reassuring that there are good people in this messed up world.
The train wasn’t too delayed for me this morning- I did have to get off at 8th and walk a few blocks. Some of my coworkers were very late though.
Yikes!! That’s scary. Glad you are ok and someone nice was there to help you out!!
That sounds like a truly awful experience!! Glad that you ended up being OK!!
This is totally something that would happen to me! Glad you’re ok!
The train sucks some days. Most of the time it’s bearable. A few times a month it’s bad. And every once in a while, once every month or two, shit has happened and it’s horrible. A couple times I’ve turned around and gone back to the office. The other alternative is to figure out how to get to work, or back home without the train. For instance, from the south, the #3 goes up and down Elbow, and the #10 goes up and down McLeod. No idea what the bus world is like for the other lines. This assumes that you aren’t already on the train.
Yikes!!! So scary. I’ve had the incredible hot flash in a crammed T, but its never gotten to the blackout point. Thank goodness for the nice guy who helped you!!!
Aw! I’m glad that the good strangers do still exist. And I’m glad you have converted to the millimeters! I don’t think your description of how crowded it was would have worked in inches (maybe that’s just my canadian brain though)
Wow I am so sorry you had to deal with that. I know I would freak out too. I hate riding in cramped trains, I do feel sick sometimes too. Just being in such a small space and pushed up with so many people, it’s so uncomfortable. It makes it hard to breathe. And it’s worse when the train emits those smells that it does sometimes and when it’s underground then I really feel like I can’t breathe. Freaky. Glad you’re okay!
Pingback: I’m HERE! With a WORKOUT! | nutcaseinpoint