That's a false dichotomy. The genes for altruism would not have survived in our species (or in those of other social animals) unless they were a fitness trait - unless they increased our chances of survival. Communities that look out for each other are going to be more successful than communities that are everyone for themselves. Have been ever since communities began.

I do draw a line between empowering and enabling. I try to help others learn to do for themselves, rather than depend on me or someone else to help them out. Ultimately everyone's going to be happier if they feel like contributing members of the community rather than dependents.

In a long term survival situation, I would think that every living person was a potential resource - and you don't want to waste resources. Each of us will have our own skills and talents, will take turns being sick or well, etc.

In the long term you would need some other people in your party. More people means more safety against gangs and whatnot. More people also allow for a wider skill base.

You would have to be pragmatic about it. Don't save others at the cost of yourself or immediate family and friends. Single males and groups of males would be risky to aid. They would be more likely to rob, rape, or kill you than women, couples, or families. As your community grows stronger, you could be more open to what people you offer help.

For an interesting read on this kind of thing, there's a couple of books by Octavia E. Butler, about the decline of civilization in the US, called "The Parable of the Sower" and "The Parable of the Talents." The books are sci-fi and the author is a pessimist.

I think you should help other's whenever possible. On river trip's I have risked my safety to help other's. They were close friend's and I thought it was worth the risk. I'm not saying get ran over by a bus to push someone else out of the way but If my mom was stranded in bad weather with her elderly mother I would want someone to check on them. If it's not life threatning check on your neighbor and make sure they have what they need.

Now . . .
I went to a big lecture by a survivalist who said, "I would rather give out free advice and copies of my book now then to have to shoot people later when things get bad . . .

I see nothing wrong with checking, whether it s just checking that they have the lights on indicating they still have power, or going over during a lull to assure yourself they are okay.

In my understanding, this is just being neighbourly.

I realize this is an old thread......but If it makes your heart feel good ...why not...doesn't hurt you or them in any way just to check and puts good energy out into the cosmos.