For those that have not seen this photo, I recommend you put aside your squeemish tendencies. Photos like this may be graphic, but they are the only effective means of waking people up in the midst of tragedy. No one will fully understand the gravity of the Boston Marathon attack as the people who were actually there, were injured, or were bravely giving aid to those in need. This photo is not intended to violate personal space, but to commemorate those involved in the aftermath.
This is Carlos Arredondo, the man in the cowboy hat. I encourage you to look him up and learn more about him. He lost 2 sons, one to the Iraq War, and the other to suicide as a result of the first. His past may seem dark, but in the wake of such unfortunate circumstances, I feel for him. He joins ranks with so many others who I consider heroes.
In this photo, Carlos is helping Jeff Bauman. Carlos does not have any medical training or experience. But he was there. And he pinched Jeff's femoral artery while helping to transport him to a hospital to prevent Jeff from bleeding to death. Put yourself in his shoes and ask: would you do the same for a fellow human being?
Thank you Carlos Arredondo.