(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
SPOKANE, Wash. -A Spokane security guard never thought he'd have to use a tourniquet, but he still carries it with him just about everywhere he goes.
"You never know when you're going to come across something where you could be the guy to help because you know what to do," said John Roach. " I wanted to help the guy and I was able to."
Roach was driving on Market Street in north Spokane when he came across the aftermath of a hit-and-run.
The incident left a Spokane man without a foot and bleeding out. That's when Roach stepped in to help.
"I carry a tourniquet for major bleeding but never thought I'd need to use it," said Roach. "So I applied it to the gentleman who was missing his limb to stop the bleeding."
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office says Roach's efforts potentially saved the victims life.
"Other people could have stopped and helped," said Roach. "I just happened to be there at the right time."
Roach, who has worked for Metro Protective Services for five years, says he's not required to carry a first aid kit or tourniquet but believes he needs to be prepared for the worst.
"If you carry a firearm you should carry a tourniquet in the event you ever have to use it," said Roach. "Or if you're injured in some type of way to control some major bleeding."