The Grandest Generation
Sometimes heroism runs in the family
One benefit of the work I’ve done recording veterans of World War 2 is that I’m in touch with many so-called “next-gens,” the sons and daughters, nieces and nephews of veterans I’ve interviewed, and more recently the grandchildren and nieces and nephews and even some greats, many of whom have taken an interest in learning about the experiences of the veteran in their family. And if you think heroism is not hereditary, take a gander at this Facebook post by the grandson of Eddie O’Shea, who was a gunner in the Headquarters Company assault gun platoon of the 712th Tank Battalion. His grandson, Danny Welch, is a teacher in Chicago, as was Danny’s mother, Trish O’Shea, and is the father of two young sons. His post on Facebook appeared on April 1.
(This is not an April fool’s joke).
This Sunday I was out running some errands. Traffic on Harlem stopped. As usual I got frustrated and waited. Eventually traffic parted to reveal a man laying helpless in the street. I was so caught off guard that I just…stared. I just froze. After about ten seconds I realized that while everyone was willing to drive around him, no one was willing to help him. I then saw a bus ahead of him and realized this man had just been literally run over by a bus. I realized that if no one else was going to help him, then I would.
I immediately blocked traffic with my car, then called 911. I told the operator there was an injured man in the far east lane of the northbound lanes of 159th and Harlem at the base of the T-mobile sign. After that, the Boy Scout training kicked in. I made sure the scene was safe, and ran to the man. He was unconscious, and clearly homeless. I woke him up and he came to slowly. Once awake, I checked him and realized he had a severely broken leg. He started to roll on the street so I stopped him, comforted the man, and told him to stay still. At that moment, a car stopped and said the driver said “he’s bleeding!”
I looked over the man and realized he was profusely bleeding from his mangled leg. It was bright red and very thick blood, which I immediately knew was arterial blood, and this was now about life and death.
I sprinted to my car, knowing I needed a tourniquet. All I had was my cell charger cord. Luckily at that moment the police showed up, and seconds later I saw the ambulance in the distance. I told them that he had a compound fracture of his leg and that he had potential arterial bleeding from the wound.
I frantically moved my car to allow the ambulance in and then stepped out of their way.
I want everyone to know I debated about keeping this to myself. I decided to make it public for a few simple reasons.
I did nothing special. If I can do it so can you. I’m just a meager science teacher, and washed up Boy Scout. If I can do this in a crisis so can you.
Now please. I want zero compliments and thanks or anything. Before you type a comment, stop. LEARN YOUR CARDINAL DIRECTIONS! They can save a life. GOOGLE BASIC FIRST AID. It’s not difficult. BUY A SIMPLE FIRST AID PACK WITH A TOURNIQUET! Toss it in your car. Teach yourself and your children HOW to call 911. SPEAK CLEARLY AND CALMLY, be specific.
I never thought I would use these lessons, and then I did.
Ive been the car in a gutter and everyone drove past until two angels (in my mind) saved me.
Educate yourself and it could be huge to those who need it.
Don’t drive past. Do the right thing.
(Again, this is not an April fool’s joke).