Clovis resident, U.S. Marine combat veteran saves life of crash victim on Highway 41

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Jacob Harrer | Sgt. Robert J. Blundell, a U.S. Marine recruiter and infantryman in Clovis, recently helped save a man’s life as the first on scene of a vehicular accident on Highway 41 May 6. Blundell deployed around the world throughout his Marine Corps career to places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Djibouti while serving with 2nd Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, N.C. He is also one of the Corps’ top marksmen and belonged to the Marine Corps Shooting Team in Quantico, Va.  

CLOVIS, CA, UNITED STATES

05.07.2014

Story by Sgt. Jacob Harrer 

12th Marine Corps District

CLOVIS, Calif. – Combat action in Iraq and Afghanistan prepared a Clovis resident and U.S. Marine to save a critically-injured crash victim after he witnessed a collision on Highway 41 May 6.

At around 2:00 p.m., Sgt. Robert J. Blundell, a Marine recruiter and infantryman, was driving northbound to Clovis from Naval Air Station Lemoore. He watched a van execute a u-turn and strike another vehicle, causing it to roll over about 250 yards in front of him.

Blundell pulled over, and his Marine Corps training kicked in. He found the van’s windshield splintered. He said he didn’t expect to find anyone alive. Wearing his combat utility uniform and boots, Blundell kicked in the windshield and used his uniform blouse to peel the glass out. There he found a man with severe injuries to his head, face and neck.

He rescued the victim through the front windshield, moved him from danger and immediately began using the combat lifesaving medical skills he used countless times overseas. He gave the victim water, inspected him for injuries, provided treatment for shock, and treated the wounds.

Other good Samaritans arrived on scene. Blundell then instructed one woman to call 911, and another to monitor and prevent the victim from losing consciousness again. Blundell also briefed first responders from the California Highway Patrol and emergency medical services.

Blundell, who deployed three times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan, said his Marine Corps training and education, and extensive combat experience helped him stay calm, prioritize needs and coordinate the rescue efforts.

• Date Taken: 05.07.2014
• Date Posted: 05.07.2014 20:14
• Story ID: 129091
• Location: CLOVIS, CA, US
• Hometown: CLOVIS, CA, US