Surgeon who helped bombing victims, BPD officers deploying for Middle East Mission

BOSTON -- From the Boston Marathon bombing to the police shootout in East Boston, a Mass General Hospital surgeon has played a key role in saving countless lives.

But Dr. David King serves more than just those in Boston, he’s a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

“I’m leaving on Sunday, it’s a Middle East mission. That’s probably all I can tell you about that,” he said.

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Boston 25 News has reported on Dr. King’s tremendous work before.

In 2013, he finished the Boston Marathon shortly before two bombs exploded at the finish line. He the rushed to MGH where he went to work saving the lives and limbs of fellow runners.

Last year, Dr. King helped save the lives of two Boston police officers who had been shot by a suspect in East Boston. Both officers were in critical condition but made full recoveries.

“I have a special place naturally in my heart for protecting those who protect us so any contribution I can make to the care of other public servants is a tremendous honor,” King said.

King has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan as an army surgeon where he saw firsthand how tourniquets save lives.

When he returned home he realized that the simple device was missing in action when disaster strikes at home. Ever since he's been advocating for training and access to tourniquets.

“I can teach almost anyone to put a tourniquet on correctly in about four or five minutes,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Red Cross honored King for his work to spread awareness off and teach others how to use the life-saving devices.

“It’s humbling, you know. Sometimes you don’t think anyone is noticing and you are working hard in the trenches and it feels so good to be honored,” he said.

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Saving lives is part of his DNA, but preparing for his next mission is bittersweet.

“No one likes leaving home and leaving your loved ones behind,” he said. ”I’m happy to go and help my guys. I’ll be equally happy to come home in the end.”

The New England community he so selflessly serves will be waiting to welcome him home with open arms.

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