In an act of quick thinking and resourcefulness, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL, employed improvised emergency medical techniques to save an 11-year-old boy involved in a serious car accident, as Breitbart reports.

On Aug. 16, Rep. Van Orden dramatically prevented the child boy from bleeding to death using makeshift tourniquets made from socks and seat belts.

The distressing incident occurred on Interstate 35 near Osceola, Iowa, when a Dodge Grand Caravan traveling at about 70 miles per hour veered off the roadway. The impact was severe enough to dismantle the vehicle.

Van Orden draws upon Navy SEAL expertise

Among the vehicle's passengers, the aforementioned boy sustained alarming injuries. His injuries were visceral, with a severely damaged calf that laid bare his tibia and fibula, and an arterial bleed wreaking havoc on his right wrist.

Witnessing the gruesome scene, Van Orden quickly sourced socks from his luggage to construct emergency tourniquets. These initial steps were crucial in controlling the bleed.

The congressman’s experience as a Navy SEAL was evident as he managed the crisis by also using seat belts, cut with the assistance of bystanders, to stabilize the boy's injuries further.

Bystanders, medic Rally to render aid

The scene of the accident drew together about 10 other individuals, eager to offer their assistance.

Among them was a self-identified medic and a quick-thinking individual who used a windshield wiper to further aid in stabilizing the injured child.

These collective efforts kept the boy stable until paramedics arrived approximately 10 to 15 minutes later. Van Orden’s decisive actions and the community's support were instrumental in saving the boy’s life.

Reflecting on the unity and rapid response of those at the scene, Van Orden praised the concerted effort: “People just started showing up, asking, ‘Hey, can we do this? Can we do that?’ It’s amazing,” he recalled.

A somber coincidence

The congressman’s involvement in the rescue came on a personally significant date, coinciding with the second anniversary of his daughter's passing. This poignant detail adds depth to the emotional weight of the day’s events.

Van Orden visited the young survivor in a Des Moines hospital on the following Monday, marking a meaningful reunion.

He shared the emotional weight of the moment on X, relating the intervention to the loss of his daughter.

Continuing his reflection, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to prevent another father from experiencing loss: “I am so thankful to have been able to make sure this young man’s father did not join the one club you never want to be in,” Van Orden posted.

Praise pours in

The congressman's heroism did not go unnoticed. Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt took to Twitter to commend Van Orden.

“Bravo Congressman @derrickvanorden. I have no doubt that you saved many a life in your many years with the SEALs, but this time we get to thank you. Bravo,” he praised.

This recognition from public figures underscores the significant impact of Van Orden’s actions, not just on the immediate victims but also in showcasing the potential for individuals to make a profound difference in critical moments.

As Van Orden himself summed up the encounter and the broader implications, it reflected his deep commitment to service, both past and present, and highlighted the intrinsic values of quick action and teamwork in the face of emergencies.