In a breathtaking display of courage and quick thinking, US Congressman Derrick Van Orden transitioned from politician to lifesaver this week, using his elite military training to prevent a tragedy.
The Republican representative for Wisconsin, a former Navy SEAL, was attending a constituent event when a scene of sheer panic unfolded. An 11-year-old boy had suffered a catastrophic injury, severely lacerating his leg with a chainsaw.
With blood loss rapid and severe, the situation was critical. Bystanders watched in horror, but Van Orden’s training instantly kicked in. He immediately assessed the gruesome injury and recognised the urgent need to stop the haemorrhaging.
Combat Skills Applied on Home Soil
Drawing on his extensive experience from the battlefield, Rep. Van Orden swiftly applied a tourniquet to the boy's leg. This decisive act, performed under immense pressure, effectively stanched the flow of blood and stabilised the child until emergency medical services could arrive on the scene.
First responders confirmed that the congressman’s immediate and correct application of the tourniquet was directly responsible for saving the young boy’s life. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery and is now expected to make a full recovery.
A Profile in Courage
This incident highlights the often-overlooked real-world skills that individuals bring to public office. Van Orden’s 26-year career in the US Navy, which included numerous deployments as a SEAL, provided him with the exact emergency medical expertise required in this terrifying scenario.
His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of basic first aid knowledge, particularly the life-saving potential of a simple tourniquet in catastrophic bleeding situations. This story is not about partisanship, but about humanity, preparedness, and the incredible difference one person can make in a moment of crisis.
