Thrive by IU Health

June 10, 2024

Neighbor cries for help, Riley nurse responds to save man's leg

IU Health Methodist Hospital

Neighbor cries for help, Riley nurse responds to save man's leg

Dan Brancolini was in a world of hurt after the car in his driveway rolled backward over his legs. For several minutes he lay there, bleeding badly and crying for help. Fortunately his neighbor, Shelby Sweeden, who happens to be a Riley nurse, heard his calls and rushed to his aid. "I was pretty immediately struck by the severity of his injury and the amount of blood," said Shelby. "A very large chunk of his leg was obviously missing... we needed to find something that would work as a tourniquet until an ambulance got there."