The roads of Arkansas, USA, can be treacherous on a bad day – and May 22nd was no exception. Torrential rain and reduced visibility created the perfect storm for disaster to strike. But it was here that James Brown, a former US Marine turned truck driver, proved himself a 'highway angel' in every sense of the word.
The incident occurred approximately 40 miles east of Little Rock, where Mr Brown, who served an impressive 12 years with the US Marines, was driving for Melton Truck Lines. Observing another truck lose control and overturn on the rain-slicked roads, he sprang into action without hesitation. His vehicle pulled over to the shoulder, and he made a dash towards the wreckage, which had slid an estimated 75 feet.
Upon reaching the overturned truck, Mr Brown assisted the driver out of the vehicle, only to notice that a piece of metal was lodged in his leg. Before he could alert anyone to the danger, the injured driver – likely in shock and pain – removed the object himself, causing an immediate and severe bleed, indicating a severed artery.
Drawn upon his extensive combat medical training, Mr Brown swiftly assessed the situation and acted decisively. He fashioned a tourniquet from a seatbelt cut from the wrecked vehicle and applied it to the injured leg, slowing the blood flow and giving emergency services precious time to reach the scene.
First responders arrived to find the driver conscious but disoriented and having lost a significant amount of blood. Mr Brown remained at the crash site for nearly two hours, providing witness statements to investigators before continuing his journey. His selfless act has since led the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) to welcome him into their 'highway angels' programme on 4 June – an initiative established in 1997 to honour truck drivers who demonstrate exceptional kindness, courtesy, and courage on duty.
Mr Brown's modest response was that he simply did what anyone would hope for themselves or their loved ones in such a situation. His actions serve as a testament to the value of first aid training, particularly in remote areas where medical assistance may not be readily available.