Navy Medic Saves Accident Victim on Busy Freeway

Quick Smiles:

• U.S. Navy Corpsman Sammuel Goodwin rushed into danger to save a crash victim’s life.
• He applied his training and quick thinking to stop severe bleeding and stabilize injuries.
• Melinda Gurrola survived and was able to thank her heroic rescuer at a reunion.

When a serious motorcycle crash happened on a busy San Diego freeway, Sammuel Goodwin sprang into action without hesitation.

He courageously ran across multiple lanes of traffic with his medical bag, determined to help those in need before emergency crews arrived.

The accident occurred on I-805 north on July 12, when Melinda Gurrola suffered a traumatic leg injury. Her husband, Silverio, was also hurt as vehicles sped by.

Goodwin quickly applied a combat tourniquet to stop the bleeding, delegated tasks to bystanders, and followed his training to care for all of Melinda’s serious wounds.

He made sure the severed limb was found and preserved for doctors, and remained with the couple until paramedics arrived, offering calm support and expert care.

One trauma surgeon commended Goodwin’s care as some of the best he had ever witnessed.

“The level of risk involved was extreme,” said witness Kailah Rose. “There were no barriers, lighting was poor, and cars were not slowing down… I watched in awe.”

Goodwin humbly credited his faith and team, saying, “By God’s grace I was there with my gear on time and did not get killed in the process.”

Melinda recently reunited with Goodwin in the hospital, grateful for his quick thinking and bravery that made her survival possible.

It only takes a moment of courage to change a life—share this story to celebrate compassion in action!

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