Menifee resident Torrey Hernandez was recognized during Wednesday’s City Council meeting for helping a Murrieta Costco vendor who was experiencing severe bleeding.
Hernandez was shopping with her daughter when she stepped in to assist the woman, using her medical training until emergency responders arrived.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin introduced Hernandez during the meeting, explaining that her aunt had contacted him about the incident.
“We have a citizen of the month program, but this is separate,” Karwin said. “This is just an outstanding citizen that I thought maybe we needed to call attention to.”
Hernandez told the council she had just entered Costco when she noticed a vendor sitting in a chair with a large amount of blood beneath her. After realizing the woman was bleeding heavily from her ankle, she asked someone to call 911.
She then grabbed a storage container from the store, turned it upside down and used it to elevate the woman’s leg. A first aid kit containing a tourniquet was also brought over before emergency medical personnel arrived.
Council members praised Hernandez for responding to the emergency while caring for her daughter, who was strapped to her during the incident.
“I can think of nothing more fierce, more strong than a mom,” Councilman Dan Temple said.
Councilman Ben Diederich also acknowledged her actions.
“You knew what to do. You jumped into action. You made it happen,” Diederich said.
