When government fails in rural America, it’s ordinary citizens and leaders with real-world skills—not bureaucrats—who step up to save lives.
Story Snapshot
- Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL, used makeshift tourniquets to save an 11-year-old boy after a rural Iowa crash.
- Bystanders and Van Orden acted decisively before EMS arrived, highlighting gaps in rural emergency response.
- Military training and community action proved critical where government services lagged.
- The event reignited calls for public first aid education and improved rural preparedness.
Congressman’s Military Training Saves a Child Where Government Response Is Slow
On August 17, 2025, Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin witnessed a harrowing crash on a remote Iowa interstate. Drawing on his Navy SEAL medic training, Van Orden and several bystanders—including a farmer and a woman with medical expertise—immediately responded to the scene. With no professional medical equipment available and emergency services delayed by the rural location, the group relied on improvised materials like seat belts and bits of metal to fashion tourniquets for the critically injured boy. Their rapid, practical intervention stabilized the child’s severe bleeding and kept him alive until paramedics finally arrived.
This incident starkly illustrates the crucial importance of hands-on emergency skills and rapid community response, especially in rural regions where government resources often fall short. Experts in trauma care consistently stress that controlling bleeding within minutes can mean the difference between life and death, a reality made even more pressing when ambulance response times are extended by distance. The story has drawn widespread praise for Van Orden and his fellow citizens, with many noting that his military training and the willingness of ordinary people to act decisively filled a life-threatening gap left by slow institutional support.
Community Action and Conservative Values in Rural Emergencies
The crash and rescue have resonated deeply among conservatives who value individual liberty, self-reliance, and practical preparedness. Van Orden’s actions underscore a recurring frustration: overreliance on distant government agencies can leave Americans vulnerable, especially outside urban centers. In this case, it was not big government, but the courage, training, and initiative of local actors that protected the life of a child. Van Orden himself emphasized the spirit of American community, stating, “What happened out there is everything that I love about America… people just start showing up.” This sentiment echoes the conservative belief that strong communities and skilled individuals are the backbone of national strength.
While the event is a triumph for grassroots action, it also exposes deficiencies in rural infrastructure and highlights the growing need for accessible emergency training. The incident has sparked renewed calls for public education in lifesaving skills, arguing that every citizen should be equipped to act when seconds matter. Conservative commentators have been quick to contrast this real-world effectiveness with the failures of government bureaucracy, reminding readers that constitutional protections and family values mean little if government neglect leaves communities unprepared for crisis.
Lifesaving Skills and the Limits of Government Intervention
This story serves as a powerful reminder that, despite government promises, rural Americans often face critical gaps in emergency services. The ability to improvise, act quickly, and rely on neighbors is not just admirable—it’s essential. Experts note that improvised tourniquets, while not a replacement for professional medical devices, are supported by military and civilian trauma guidelines when standard equipment is unavailable. However, correct application is crucial, and the risks underscore the importance of widespread public training. Van Orden’s leadership, shaped by his military experience, was instrumental in directing bystanders and ensuring effective first aid, a fact confirmed by multiple reputable news outlets and eyewitness accounts.
The aftermath of the incident continues to unfold, with the boy recovering in the hospital and Van Orden visiting to offer support. The case has prompted both gratitude and reflection among affected families and local communities. Politically, it has bolstered Van Orden’s reputation, providing a stark example of how conservative values—personal responsibility, community action, and practical skills—deliver results when government falls short. The event may also influence broader conversations about funding for rural emergency services and the importance of teaching lifesaving techniques to all Americans.
