Derrick Van Orden saves 11-year-old boy with makeshift tourniquets after Iowa crash

In the United States, on Saturday, August 16, a serious vehicle accident occurred on Interstate 35 near Osceola, Iowa, involving a Dodge Grand Caravan and a semi-truck. Representative Derrick Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL, was traveling with his family when he witnessed the incident unfold in his rearview mirror. The minivan was reported to have disintegrated upon impact after veering off the road at about 70 miles per hour. The crash resulted in severe injuries to an 11-year-old boy who was a passenger in the minivan. Van Orden later described the devastating scene, noting that the boy’s right calf was completely torn apart, exposing bone and causing significant bleeding. He also suffered an arterial bleed in his right wrist. Without hesitation, Van Orden immediately stopped his vehicle and rushed to the scene to provide assistance. His military training kicked in as he assessed the situation and recognized the urgency of the child's injuries. By the time he arrived, several bystanders had also pulled over to help. Together, they formed a group of at least 10 individuals, all driven by a common goal: to stabilize the injured child until professional help arrived. Van Orden quickly inquired for a knife, which he used to cut the seat belts of the vehicle before utilizing socks from his suitcase as improvised tourniquets for the boy's injured leg and arm. The collaboration among the various bystanders proved crucial. One individual, described as a farmer in his sixties, removed a windshield wiper to assist in stabilizing the boy’s arm. Another woman identified herself as a medic and provided vital help as well. Their quick collective actions ensured the child received necessary support prior to the arrival of paramedics, who were reportedly several miles away. Van Orden later stated that it took about 10 to 15 minutes for the ambulance to reach the scene. He emphasized that without the immediate actions of those bystanders, the young boy would have likely bled to death. In the following days, Van Orden paid a visit to the boy in the hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, to check on his recovery. He later reflected on the incident, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of kindness from everyone present at the crash site. He noted that their collective response exemplified what he loves about America: a willingness to step up and help in times of crisis. Van Orden’s account serves as a reminder of the impact that quick, decisive actions can have on saving lives in emergencies, with the events of that day underscoring the importance of community and collaboration in dire situations.