Good samaratins help save pedestrian’s life in New York City
On August 21st 2013, a taxi jumped a curb and hit a pedestrian and a cyclist at W49th Street and Sixth Avenue — home to Rockefeller Center and near Radio City Music Hall and Saks Fifth Avenue — around 11 a.m. A British tourist was struck and her right leg was severed above her foot and below the knee, according to New York City police.
The traumatic amputation presented a dire medical emergency for the young victim who was losing a lot of blood from her wound site. However, the quick thinking and selfless actions of two good samaratins along with happenstance medical intervention from television’s Dr Oz helped save the victim’s life.
A good samaritan walking by was able to use his belt as a tourniquet until paramedics arrived. Moments later, Dr Oz (and members of his staff) came to the scene and also provided additional first aid until the EMS responded to the scene.
“David Justino, a plumber from New York, took action, removing his belt and using it as a tourniquet,” Dr. Oz said in a Facebook post. “My prayers are with the victim for a speedy recovery.” He posted a photo of himself and Justino on Facebook.
Dr. Oz told WPIX11 news that when he arrived, the belt had been tied to the woman’s leg and he was just trying to tighten it to stop the bleeding. The cab driver was in a daze and very emotional, Oz said.
Another good samaritan, Max Crespo, a pizza truck owner, put the woman’s amputated leg in a bucket of ice until paramedics arrived, according to WCBS news.
Oz praised “Plumber Dave” as a hero in the accident.
“Plumber Dave, who’s an average Joe…an average Dave, walking along the streets, saved her life,” Oz told WPIX11 news.
So, an average Joe and an average Dave stepped up and intervened in a complete stranger’s most needy moment and helped save a life (and a limb). Training in CPR and first aid turns regular people into heroes! Contact Bravo Zulu today to find out how you can get trained in lifesaving skills so you too can be a hero!