Officer Joshua Baumgarner was presented with a Bronze Medal of Merit Thursday by Hawaii Police Chief Paul K. Ferreira.
Officer Joshua Baumgarner was presented with a Bronze Medal of Merit Thursday by Hawaii Police Chief Paul K. Ferreira.
On Sept. 23, 2016, Baumgarner and officer Roberto Segobia responded to a report of a home accident in the Hawaiian Beaches Subdivision in the District of Puna. Upon arriving, the victim’s husband reported that his wife was bleeding extensively from several lacerations on her right forearm and upper arm.
Baumgarner, according to a news release Friday on the award, saw that the victim was pale and laying in a pool of blood.
Using his knowledge as a combat medic in the Hawaii National Guard, Baumgarner quickly applied direct pressure to the victim’s bronchial artery to control the bleeding and elevated her feet to prevent shock. He reassured her that she was going to be OK and continued to maintain pressure to control the bleeding.
When the Hawaii Fire Department medic unit arrived, they transported the victim to the Hilo Medical Center for further treatment. Personnel from the unit confirmed that the outcome of the situation would have potentially been different if not for the first aid treatment Baumgarner provided.
“With deep and heartfelt appreciation, the Hawaii Police Department is pleased to award you with a Bronze Medal of Merit for your heroic and selfless act,” Ferreira said.