CORDRY-SWEETWATER — An off-duty Indiana State Police Trooper helped to save a woman’s life who was losing blood from an injury sustained in a motorcycle crash on Aug. 14.

Trooper Matt Hatchett was on his way home after completing his training commitment with the Indiana Army National Guard when he was flagged down on Sunset Drive by a group of motorcycle riders, asking for help for a woman who had crashed, a press release from ISP states.

Hatchett lives in Brown County and has been an ISP trooper for nearly four years.

The woman — Stephanie Ransom, 49, of Greenfield — was lying on the grass near the side of the road struggling with her injuries and losing consciousness.

Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Clark also responded. In his accident report, Clark stated Ransom’s motorcycle ran off the road and lost control, which caused it to roll over and eject Ransom. The motorcycle then struck a mailbox in the 7200 block of Sunset Drive before coming to a stop in a yard.

Clark noted that Ransom was not from the area, which had many hills and curves with a low speed limit. She was not wearing a helmet.

Ransom had injuries to her left ankle and face. She was flown from the scene to Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital.

After being stopped by the group of motorcycle riders, Hatchett grabbed his medical gear and began assessing Ransom when he noticed a severe injury to one of her legs, which was causing heavy bleeding. Hatchett then applied a tourniquet to the leg to stop the bleeding, which possibly saved Ransom’s life, the ISP release states.

Hatchett was praised by ISP for his quick action.

“Even though he was off duty, Trooper Hatchett put his training into action without hesitation. His efforts no doubt saved a life. Our thoughts are certainly with the crash victim and her family,” ISP Sgt. Greg Day said.

All ISP troopers are issued tourniquets as part of their duty gear and train annually on how to use them.

Clark reported that it appeared Ransom was driving over the speed limit when the crash occurred. He stated that the speed and lack of knowledge about the area caused her to run off the road.

Due to skid marks, Clark concluded it appeared Ransom tried to stop slow down, but could not maintain control of the bike due to her speed.