Yesterday something crazy happened. On the way home from softball B and I witnessed a motorcycle accident. YIKES, so scary. We watched as a car hit two men on two bikes. What happened next was kinda crazy but I jumped into action, took off out of the car and ran to help. Stupid move, because I did not even look before I crossed the highway. I don't remember thinking. I have been CPR and First Aid certified for 10 years and just did my recertification Wednesday. When I got to the two guys one was ok. I couldn't believe how calm he was because his leg was BROKEN! Oh it looked terrible. The other guy was not doing as well he moving around and screaming in pain. I wanted to stabilize his neck because he was able to tell me he had upper body pain. I used my sweatshirt and another responder's sweatshirt to stabilize his neck into place. I calmed him down the best I could. We talked until everyone arrived to help. He told me his name was Mike and it was the first ride since his bike was in an Irene flood.
Another gentleman ran over to ask if I was EMS, (nope)! I cant deny it because I did feel really good when he told me I was doing great and all the right things. When the police and EMS arrived I was lucky to continue helping Mike. I could definitely tell he had a dislocated shoulder and his elbow and arm were clearly broken. His screaming made me so nauseous. Its so terrible to hear someone in such pain. They took Mike and his friend to a local hospital. We spoke with the police afterward and made our report. He made a point to say that he is always grateful to people who are there to respond in emergencies. He said most officers he knows are not good with any type of first aid or even comforting others. As we left Mike's friends thanked us and that was a great feeling.
I probably won't ever see the two men I helped yesterday but I'm happy to know they will be ok! Being able to participate in helping some one is a really awesome feeling. It was definitely an adrenaline rush. There were a lot of good people there yesterday willing to help a complete stranger. I hope if anything were to happen to anyone I love there would be good people like that to help them.
Sending healing wishes to Mike and his friend!