UI prof honored by governor for saving man’s life

Jeff Seegmiller (right) and his family at Friday's ceremony.

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Story Published: Jan 16, 2010 at 2:08 PM PST

Story Updated: Jan 16, 2010 at 4:30 PM PST

By Greg Meyer

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MOSCOW - He's playing it down, but everyone else agrees that Dr. Jeff Seegmiller is a hero.

Seegmiller is a member of the faculty in UI'S WWAMI Medical Education program, as well as a member of UI’s Athletic Training program faculty.

On December 28, Seegmiller came upon a horrific crash on US 95 north of Moscow. He performed emergency first aid on crash victim John Balka, whose legs had been severed in the crash. Seegmiller is credited with saving Balka’s life.

Governor Butch Otter had words of praise for Seegmiller Friday at a ceremony in the UI Commons Whitewater Room.

“You began to perform the emergency first aid to include the application of tourniquets, head stabilization and direct pressure to the abdomen region. You demonstrated your leadership in telling others how to assist you in rendering life-saving first aid. You're action saved Mr. Balka until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene, without which Mr. Balka would have most certainly died.

Governor Otter presented Seegmiller with a letter recognizing his quick action. Then Seegmiller praised the program he works for at UI.

“It's a great privilege to educate future medical professionals who truly can make a difference in Idahoans across the state. Although I simply did what many others would have done I'm extremely honored and would like to thank all of those who serve and receive no recognition.”

Seegmiller says his family was with him on that night and also deserve credit for helping save John Balka's life.

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