A soldier from Fort Bliss, Texas, rendered life-saving aid to a motorcyclist who was involved in a serious crash during a motorcycle ride memorializing a Marine Corps veteran, according to a service news release.

Cpl. Maximilian J. Weaver, a public affairs mass communications specialist with 5th Armored Brigade, gathered with other motorcyclists on Saturday to honor John Tobias Jr., a Marine veteran who was killed in an alleged hit-and-run on July 4.

During the group ride, a saddlebag fell from a lead motorcycle, and rider Ryan Salisbury crashed while swerving to avoid it, sustaining severe head injuries.

Weaver pulled over immediately to assess Salisbury, who was lying in a puddle of his own blood. Weaver used clothing to create padding and applied pressure to the wound. As Salisbury started choking on his blood and convulsing, Weaver turned him to his uninjured side so that he could breathe.

“I’m glad I paid attention in both motorcycle safety and CLS (Combat Lifesaver) class as they both teach us life-saving measures that you can apply to your own safety and that of others,” Weaver said. “You never know when you have to use the tools provided to you by the U.S. Army in the real world, but I’m glad the knowledge kicked into gear when needed.”

Weaver then cooled the hot pavement by pouring water on it to help stabilize Salisbury. Emergency medical services arrived about 15 minutes later.

Salisbury is being treated for his injuries at University Medical Center of El Paso.

“I truly believe if Max [Weaver] was not there, Ryan [Salisbury] would have had a very different outcome,” said Benjamin Mestas, who was also part of the ride and sustained an ankle fracture and a broken back from the crash.