Congressman Uses Socks and Seatbelt as Tourniquet to Save 11-Year-Old’s Life

A Wisconsin congressman turned a tragic car crash into a story of hope. Using quick thinking and his Navy SEAL training, Derrick Van Orden saved an 11-year-old boy’s life with makeshift tourniquets from socks and a seatbelt. His heroic actions on an Iowa highway have inspired a nation.

A Crash Sparks Urgent Action

Driving along Interstate 35 with his family, Derrick Van Orden heard a deafening crash. A minivan had slammed into a parked semi-truck, leaving chaos in its wake. The congressman, a former Navy SEAL and combat medic, didn’t hesitate. He pulled over and rushed to the scene, where he found an 11-year-old boy, Sawyer Whitt, severely injured. The boy’s leg was torn open, exposing his tibia and fibula, and his wrist was bleeding heavily from an arterial wound.

Van Orden knew time was critical. He ran to his truck, grabbed two pairs of socks from his suitcase, and tied them around Sawyer’s arm and leg as temporary constricting bands. They weren’t enough for proper tourniquets, so he called out for a knife. A bystander handed him a carpet cutter, which he used to slice seatbelts from the wrecked minivan. These became lifesaving tourniquets, stopping the boy’s bleeding before medics arrived.

A Team Effort Saves the Day

Van Orden wasn’t alone in his efforts. Other good Samaritans stopped to help, creating a makeshift rescue team. A man described as an “Iowa farm dude” ripped off a windshield wiper to stabilize Sawyer’s arm. A woman who identified as a medic used a piece of metal to craft another tourniquet for the boy’s leg. Together, they stabilized Sawyer and got him ready for the ambulance.

The congressman later said the boy’s injuries were like those seen in combat. Without immediate action, Sawyer likely would have bled out before paramedics could reach the rural stretch of highway. The group’s quick response, led by Van Orden’s training, made all the difference. Sawyer was airlifted to a hospital, where he began his recovery.

A Personal Connection Deepens the Moment

The rescue held special meaning for Van Orden. He and his family were on their way to a memorial for his daughter, who passed away two years earlier. After visiting Sawyer in the hospital, Van Orden spoke with the boy’s father. He shared his own loss, saying he was grateful the father wouldn’t join the “club” of losing a child. The emotional exchange left both men teary, highlighting the human side of the congressman’s heroism.

Sawyer, brave despite his ordeal, told Van Orden, “I made it through the scariest part.” The boy’s resilience and the community’s support touched Van Orden, who called the moment “beautiful.” His visit to the hospital, captured in a photo with Sawyer giving a thumbs-up, showed the bond formed through this life-saving act.

A Hero’s Background in Action

Van Orden’s Navy SEAL and combat medic training was key to his response. He described Sawyer’s injuries as a “wound of war,” noting the high risk of death without immediate intervention. His ability to stay calm under pressure turned a dire situation into a story of survival. The congressman’s actions have earned him praise as a hero, with many calling for recognition of his quick thinking.

The incident also highlighted the power of community. The bystanders who stepped up, from the man with the carpet cutter to the medic with a piece of metal, showed how ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact. Their teamwork ensured Sawyer got the care he needed in those critical moments before professional help arrived.

A Call to Celebrate Courage

This story of survival is a reminder of the difference one person can make. Van Orden’s instincts and training saved a young life, while the strangers who joined him proved the strength of collective action. Sawyer’s recovery continues, supported by his family and a grateful community. The incident has sparked conversations about the importance of first aid knowledge and staying prepared for emergencies.

As the nation reflects on this heroic act, Van Orden remains humble, crediting his training and the help of others. His story inspires us to recognize the potential for heroism in everyday moments, whether it’s on a highway or in our own communities. Sawyer’s survival is a testament to courage, quick thinking, and the power of people coming together when it matters most.