Off-duty Fall River EMT recognized after saving life of motorcyclist who crashed on Route 195

A Fall River EMT was recognized today for saving the life of a motorcycle rider that received life-threatening injuries after a crash near the Westport and Fall River border.

According to Trooper James DeAngelis of Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 20th, Troopers assigned to the Dartmouth Barracks responded to reports of a motorcycle that struck a guardrail on Route 195 westbound East of Exit 14B in Westport.

The operator, a 20-year-old man from New Bedford, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Mayor Coogan presented Luke Farrell with a citation today for his lifesaving actions.

While off-duty and on his way to work, Farrell pulled over to help the man who was bleeding profusely from his lower limbs. According to Fire Chief Roger St. Martin, Luke created a tourniquet with a nylon stocking and a piece of metal from the road to stop the bleeding. Farrell also created a second tourniquet when Massachusetts State Police arrived.

Officials at Rhode Island Hospital told St. Martin that Luke’s actions saved the man’s life.

Farrell appreciated being acknowledged but was humble and stated that he felt if any other Fall River EMT was in his situation, they would have done the same thing.

Coogan was happy to recognize Farrell for going above and beyond the call of duty.

State Reps Carole Fiola and Paul Schmid were also in attendance.