[OCCASparky]

I wonder, what is the difference in experience between Japan and USA for bystander initiated CPR? IOW, were the folks in Japan more likely or less likely to start CPR in cases of witnessed cardiac arrest? Japan has socialized medicine...... is that a factor? Anyone?

(cracks knuckles)

Actually, people in Japan are LESS likely to perform CPR on a stranger. That's a cultural issue, not a medical one. IIRC, their health care program is of course quite excellent but not "socialized" in the sense of Canada or Britian.

What it boils down to is that if you help someone injured in Japan (assuming you're not trained emergency personnel) and they die or become vegetative, YOU are responsible for their care, not their families, hence why a lot of people will simply step around/over an injured person. (Yes, I saw it once.)

[ASOC]

So deska!

I have visited several times, but never spent any real time (months) in-country. Cultural norms *are* different - I'll dig some more, thanks for the lead!