We noticed a cloud of dust just over a small hill as soon as we entered the highway. When we crested the hill we saw two parked cars and people running. Since my wife is in the medical field I pulled over as well, thinking we might be able to help. Next to the fast lane was a steep incline, and a grove of loosely scattered trees. A small pickup had blown a rear tire and sailed off the fast lane, where 70 mph is the normal speed. It must have rolled or sailed down the hill, stopped at the bottom by an unforgiving tree trunk.

By the time my wife and I arrived the sole passenger had somehow made it out of the vehicle. The front end was totally smashed, and if she had been a tall person her legs would have been smashed as well. She was sitting on the ground in a daze, holding her left hand with her right. Her index finger was obviously broken, and blood had spattered on her arm from cuts on her hand. I checked to see that there were no other cuts on her arm. The first person to arrive said, "I think she's alright except for her hand."

The young lady said, "Where is all this blood coming from?" That's when my wife noticed the gash in her neck. Her black t-shirt was soaked along the upper chest, but because of the color we hadn't noticed it. Her long hair was hanging on each side of her chin as she sat on the ground. But a 4 inch gash as well as another 2 inch cut had laid open her throat. We could see the white of the esophagus, almost like teeth clenched in a second mouth. I had a handkerchief which I gave my wife and she held it against the wound. She asked me for my shirt as well, in case there was massive bleeding, but the blood had already begun to coagulate.

The woman kept talking, and we kept assuring her that she would live. Her breathing was fine and she was keeping her neck still. She had been on her way to meet her parents at the mall and was then headed for a joh interview.

The first person to arrive had already called 911 and soon the highway patrol arrived. He seemed more interested in asking if she had worn her seatbelt and had insurance than in what the wound looked like. He would leave that for the EMT's. (Emergency Medical Technicians) He contacted the ambulance, which was on its way and told them to come along the south side of the highway which was level with the grove of trees. (We were in a large area dividing the four lanes.) "Bring wire cutters because you'll have to cut through a fence." They arrived soon enough, but it seemed to take them just as long to get through the fence. The first question they asked was, "Was there anyone else in the car?" I was amazed that none of us had thought to ask that. However, we had already retrieved the girl's purse and looked for her cell phone. But it is the first question you're supposed to ask in case there is a baby in the car.

I've seen many accidents in my life, but wanted to share this experience with you because I am so proud of my wife. She kept the girl calm the whole time by talking with and praying for her. Her hand and arm were quite sore from holding them in that position for so long. My wife is an amazing woman.

In a situation like that, you were both amazing people...many people would only stop and stare.
God bless you for caring.

I'm a wreck from reading that....you guys are heros!

Tony got to say that your wife deserves to be looked at as a hero for the quick thinking both you and your wife performed. Wish there were more people like you two. Job well done. I only wish that ever that should happen to me what happened to that lady I wish there are people like you two around to assist.Thank you two for being you.

N Jay

I forgot to mention my important role. It was after all, MY handkerchief that my wife used!

You mentioned it and your shirt as well....clean and satitized