LAYTON — An officer on his first day with Layton police saved a motorcyclist's life Thursday by applying a tourniquet to his leg, officials said.
Officer Trevor Barker, who was being trained by another officer, was one of the first on scene after a motorcycle and car collided in the intersection of Antelope Drive and Main Street around 3:30 p.m.
Barker discovered that the motorcycle driver, a 45-year-old man, had suffered a severe compound fracture in his lower leg, resulting in an open wound.
"Today is definitely the first day I’ve ever had to apply a tourniquet," Barker said.
The officer had just changed jobs after working six years with Roy police. He said unpredictability is what draws him to a career in law enforcement.
"This is what I enjoy doing. Coming to work (is) never the same," Barker said.
Layton Police Sgt. Clint Bobrowski said the victim was quickly losing blood and that Barker likely saved the man's life.
"We’re pretty proud of him," Bobrowski said.
The crash victim was taken to University of Utah Hospital for treatment of his life-threatening injuries.
The sergeant said the wreck occurred when the eastbound motorcycle collided with a sedan turning left onto southbound Main Street. Police are still investigating which vehicle may have been at fault in the crash, he said.
— Ben Lockhart