Awarded for bravery: Mayor honored by Home Ministry for acts of rescue
In a fateful moment on the A30 near the Groënau rest area, 34-year-old Mirko Ortmann, a landscape gardener from Osnabrück, became a hero. On that day, Mirko came across a tragic accident involving Sven Böker from Bünde, who had lost control of his motorcycle.
Sven Böker was thrown over the guardrail, through the treetops, and landed in a ditch after 90 meters. The cause of the accident remains unknown, possibly due to a groove in the lane or an object on the road. Mirko, who was passing by, stopped to help and called for emergency services.
Another driver also stopped, but unfortunately, they had an empty first aid kit. However, Mirko remembered first aid exercises from his military time and provided necessary assistance, along with another first aider who was no longer in contact with Sven. Together, they bound Sven's wounds with available materials.
The incident left a deep impact on Mirko. It was difficult for him shortly after the accident not to know how Sven was doing. Mirko spent seven months in the hospital, underwent over 20 operations, and went through several rehabilitation stays. Sven, too, suffered severe injuries, including the loss of his right foot and right forearm, and severe injuries to his other arm and left leg.
Despite the trauma, Mirko was incredibly relieved to hear that Sven was out of danger. Today, Mirko and Sven are friends and share each other's lives. Sven even celebrates his birthday twice a year with Mirko, a heartwarming gesture of their bond.
Mirko, who is now working from home in Bünde, wishes more people had stopped to help and there were not enough calls to the control center. He also sought counseling and support to better cope with the images the accident left him with, following advice from his father, a firefighter.
Mirko's personal life is also flourishing. He will soon get married, and Sven is expected to be among the congratulations. Mirko's two children, aged two and a half and ten, interact naturally with their father, showing no signs of the traumatic event that brought their father and Sven together.
Despite the challenges, Mirko remains a beacon of hope and resilience. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of helping others in times of need and the power of friendship in overcoming adversity.
