So, you are at a convention, possibly in a town you've never been to, surrounded by people you don't know.  Suddenly,  you have a need.  Whether it is directions, a "wardrobe malfunction," dealing with creepy guys, or a sudden medical problem, "who you gonna call?"

Well, you might just be able to find the Ghostbusters at a convention, but there's no promise that they can help.  You really need to know who to go to for any problem you might have.

For the really big emergencies, where police or an ambulance might be needed, your first thought may be, "Well, I'll just diall 911 on my trusty cell phone."  Natch.  Most convention centers and Hotell meeting rooms have enough steel and electricals to block cell phones unless you are right by a door.  (hotel guest rooms usually have very good reception)

Most big conventions have a variety of staff that can assist you in an emergency.  You will find convention staff, convention center staff, hotel staff, police, and possibly even dedicated paramedics.  They are usually easy to spot (a lot of conventions frown in costuming as law enforcement because it could create confusion), and thier job is to help anyone who needs it. Don't hesitate to appreach them.

If you can't find one whose job is to take care of emergencies, they you may have to rely on your fellow con-goers. Likewise, if someone asks for your help, you should do what you can.  Here are some basics for civilian assistance:

1. Medical emergency - Medical emergencies can range from a basic panic attack all the way to a full blown heart attack.
The first thing to remember, is to stay calm.  Someone in distress isn't going to be helped by you freaking out. 
Second, if someone approaches you for help (or you find someone needing help), you just became their voice.  You can ask others around you to run and find professional assistance, but you should stay with the person, and keep track of what is going on with them.  When professional help arrives, you can give them a head start on treatment by telling them everything that has happened.  (you can't do that if you run away to find a cop)

Don't be afraid to ask others around you for help.  If someone grabs your sleeve and starts having a siezure, don't feel silly yelling, "Is there a doctor in the house?"  (seriously, the Whovians understand)  Don't be afraid to point at someone watching your show and say, "You! Go get help!"

Remember, quick thinking can save lives.

2. Security emergency - Someone you've never seen steps in front of you and says, "Hey!  I haven't seen you in forever!" and gives you a big hug.  When they hug you, the whisper, "Please help me."

The simple solution is to act like you really do know them and include them in your group or change your direction travel and escort them to the front desk of the hotel or convention center that you are at.  The staff there will know how to get police there quickly.

And guys, don't think that it's only the cute anime girls that have propblems with the occassional creeper.  Women can stalk men, men can stalk women, men can stalk men, and women can stalk women.  And anyone of any age can have this problem.

And yes, sometimes a real creep will try to use this ruse to thier advantage, pretending to the person needing help. Trust your instincts.   If someone asks you for help, and then tries to get you to go to a back hall or leave the convention with them, don't.

Insist on finding someone associated with the convention and keep walking for the main lobby (most front desks are there).  If they get pushy/graby (trying to physically direct you where you don't want to go), you are completely within your legal right to defend yourself.  Push them away, yell at the top of your lungs, make a scene.  The one thing all bad guys hate is attention.  It's hard to commit a crime when the whole hallway is looking at you.

And if you're the creeper, remember, getting arrested isn't the worst that can happen to you.