Boston bombing victim whose leg was saved by student, 23, describes how terrifying ordeal has turned them into life-long friends

Firm friends: Ron Brassard, 51, and 23-year-old Rob Wheeler bonded after the student helped staunch the bleeding in his seriously wounded leg following the Boston bombing

Hour of need: Mr Brassard has a tourniquet applied to his leg by Mr Wheeler in one of the many scenes of bravery that emerged during the terrorist attack last Monday

Mr Wheeler, a Framingham State College student who is originally from Marshfield, had just finished the 26-mile race and was near the finish line on Boylston Street during the massive explosion.

Mr Brassard was nearby with his wife and daughter cheering on a friend who was running the race.

The student, who had stepped in last minute to run the race for a friend, rushed to the 51-year-old's side after he heard Mr Brassard's daughter crying out for someone to help her father. 

Mr Wheeler said that he relied on what he remembered from first-aid training and his interest in sports medicine to staunch the bleeding in Mr Brassard's leg, caused by severe shrapnel wounds. 

The 23-year-old plans to join the Marines after he graduates next month. 

Agony: Mr Brassard, pictured on a stretcher, was one of more than 180 people injured in the attack on Boston

Fate: The 23-year-old student was not even supposed to be running the race but stepped in for a friend

Mr Brassard told NBC: 'At that moment I absolutely needed someone to help me. And that someone was Rob.'

Mr Brassard's wife and daughter also suffered shrapnel wounds. However they had recovered enough to attend the Boston Red Sox game on Sunday after the team gave them free tickets. 

Ron had not recovered well enough to attend the game so asked his 23-year-old new friend to accompany his wife and daughter instead. 

The Brassard family also plan to attend Rob's graduation on May 19. Mr Brassard added: 'We're part of each other's life now.'