The scene was something out of a movie. A vehicle crashed off the road at night and a man, badly injured, his right arm severed in the July 11 crash on Puuwai Road. But this wasn’t a movie. This was
The scene was something out of a movie. A vehicle crashed off the road at night and a man, badly injured, his right arm severed in the July 11 crash on Puuwai Road.
But this wasn’t a movie. This was the reality for several Kauai residents who came upon the accident where Joseph Pimental was hanging on to his life, losing blood and needing help. Fortunately, that help arrived shortly in the form of several people with cool demeanor, big hearts and plenty of smarts, too.
Sasha Doorish, Tammy Vander Wende, Wyatt Pimental, Noah Sasil, Jason Pimental and a few others who arrived at and responded to the crash didn’t sit back, watch and wait. They didn’t hesitate or wonder if they should do something. They took fast action.
Between this calm, collected and quick-thinking and knowledgeable unit, they tended to Joseph’s injuries. A tourniquet was wrapped around his arm. Pressure was applied to the wound. He was held and kept awake until paramedics arrived. Those heroic actions may very well have saved the life of the 36-year-old Kalaheo man and father of two.
And Joseph Pimental has made the most of it. A testament to his strength and fortitude and attitude, the mechanic was released from Wilcox Memorial Hospital just five days later, earlier than expected, with a positive outlook. He was even back at work repairing a fence and plans to continue welding, too.
A big mahalo and shout out to those who came to Joseph Pimental’s aid when he needed it most. Their family, their friends, and all of Kauai, can take pride in knowing these rescuers were there. Indeed, they epitomize the sharing spirit of this island.
