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Darst receives life-saving award from KFD

Keizer Police Officer Jeremy Darst (right) accepts an award for Heroism in Saving the Life of Another, from Keizer Fire Chief Jeff Cowan (Submitted).

On Monday, Oct. 4, Keizer Police Officer Jeremy Darst was presented with the Bob Wickman Award for Heroism in Saving the Life of Another by Keizer Fire District (KFD) for his heroic actions from earlier this summer. 

On July 25th, Darst and Keizer Police responded to a trauma call where a victim was stabbed. Prior to KPD’s arrival, Darst placed a tourniquet on a patient’s arm to control arterial bleeding from the stab wound.

KPD paramedic Rachel Brozovich confirmed that the tourniquet was placed appropriately and was controlling the bleeding. The tourniquet was confirmed again by ER staff who left it in place until it was removed during surgical repair of the arm.

Both the brachial and cephalic arteries were severed in the stabbing, and the severe bleeding resulted in massive hemorrhage, which required up to 10 units of blood in 24 hours to maintain the person’s life. 

“We’re very, very proud of you. We’re very, very proud of everything you’ve done. And on behalf of Keizer Fire District, Keizer Police and the city of Keizer and our grateful community, well done,” said KFD Fire Chief Jeff Cowan.