Cobber to the Rescue

Steph SiewertOne quick thinking Cobber leaped into action following a traffic accident during a biology field trip in Tanzania this summer.

The Concordia students were studying the ecology of East Africa with Dr. Joseph Whittaker, assistant professor of biology; Dr. Michelle Marko, assistant professor of biology; and Janet Thompson. As they were driving down a narrow road into Ngorongoro Crater, a safari vehicle ahead of them rolled over.

Immediately, Steph Siewert ’14, Red Wing, Minn., responded.

She found plastic gloves before attending to the passengers who had been thrown from the vehicle. She then directed other students to stop oncoming traffic on the road.

Siewert determined that none of the injuries to the passengers was life threatening, but she was concerned about the driver, who was still inside the vehicle and bleeding from head wounds.

Siewert told him she was a certified first responder and asked if she could help him.

Siewert examined the cuts on his head to see how deep they were and to check if any contained glass shards from the windshield. She then cleaned the wounds and applied antiseptic and bandages.

“Luckily, there were only minor lesions and no glass,” says Siewert. “Honestly, when I saw the flipped-over vehicle I was expecting much, much worse. But with so many supportive friends around willing to help, everything went smoothly.”

Siewert has Red Cross first responder certification. She has been a lifeguard for six years and must renew first aid/CPR training every year.

“The minute you see something like that accident, you just jump into the first responder mindset,” says Siewert.

Whittaker was impressed with how the Concordia students responded.

“Everyone helped, but Steph really distinguished herself,” says Whittaker. “She took control, got the other students organized, and proceeded to help the injured passengers. Steph responded in a professional manner and provided excellent assistance. Fortunately, none of the injuries was particularly severe, just cuts that Steph easily bandaged.”

Siewert is a biology major with minors in Spanish, chemistry and exercise science. She plans to attend chiropractic school and ultimately work in sports science and rehabilitation.

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