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Airman down!

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jennifer Isom
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  "Airman down!" a voice with an urgent came across the radio. "All available personnel respond to the scene!"

"We need an MTL! We need an MTL!" yelled a number of Airmen-in-Training, frantically searching for the closest military training leader.

The urgency of the moment is instinctively understood as a MTL makes his way toward the Airman lying on the ground. Heart pounding, thoughts racing, he quickly arrives on scene as the Airman's body is fiercely thrashing around. Blood from the gash inside his lip covers the Airman's face, a result of hitting the sidewalk, face first.

Other MTLs are racing to the scene to assist.

"I've lost his pulse!" The minutes tick by painfully slow as the MTLs fight desperately to keep the young man alive. Years of experience and training converge on this one critical moment to save the life of an Airman-an Airman they don't even know.

February 21 began as an ordinary day for many, but would end extraordinarily for some at the 360th and 364th Training squadrons.

Tech. Sgt. Norman D. Hicks III, a MTL for the 360th TRS was "mobile" that day, steadily patrolling the one-mile-run route on a bicycle. As the mobile MTL, he is required to carry a backpack that contains a first aid kit and an Automated External Defibrillator in case of an emergency. An emergency just like on that day.

When Sergeant Hicks heard the Airmen-in-Training call for an MTL, he was the closest and able to respond the quickest.

"I was only about 25 yards away, so my response to the scene was immediate," Sergeant Hicks said. He added that as he ran over to the Airman, he immediately radioed the MTL in charge of that day's physical readiness training, Staff Sgt. Troy May, the non-commissioned officer of special activities for the 82nd Training Wing. Sergeant May, in turn, called 911.

When Sergeant Hicks reached the Airman, he realized the Airman was not just down; he was having full blown convulsions.

"It was pretty intense," Sergeant Hicks said.

Sergeant Hicks said he immediately knelt down to support the Airman's head and neck, preventing any further injury. He added that when the convulsions began to subside, he tried talking to the Airman to get some type of response.

"Within 30 seconds you could feel him weakening. His breaths were slowing down-then just gasps," Sergeant Hicks said.

Master Sgt. Douglas Tigner, the flight chief of wing military training for the 82 TRW, was only about a block away when the call "Airman down" came over the radio. He said his initial thought was that it was probably a dehydrated Airman. That thought quickly changed when he heard the Airman was having convulsions and the immediacy of the situation became apparent.

He quickened his pace; breaking from a jog to a full sprint. Sergeant Tigner arrived on scene just as Sergeant Hicks was stabilizing the Airman's head.

However, the gravity of the situation was just beginning. The next measured moments took the MTLs into unfamiliar territory.


Sergeant Hicks said he felt the Airman's pulse weakening ... then, nothing.
"I told Sergeant Smith to get the AED unit," Sergeant Hicks said. Staff Sgt. Duane Smith, an MTL with the 360th TRS immediately pulled the AED unit from the backpack.

"It's a phenomenal machine," Sergeant Tigner said. "Once the sticky pads are in place, the machine will begin analysis."

The severity of the Airman's health was fully understood once that analysis was complete. They were going to have to shock the Airman.

"The readout displayed 'shock advised.' When it said 'shock now,' I looked to make sure everybody was clear and hit the button to administer the shock," Sergeant Tigner said.

After that initial shock, Sergeant Tigner said the AED unit, still monitoring the young Airman's vitals, advised them to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Years of CPR training kicked in and, without hesitation, the MTLs quickly and efficiently continued the lifesaving steps.

Sergeant Hicks began chest compressions. However, Sergeant Tigner was not yet able to begin respirations.

"I was screaming for a mouth shield because of all the blood," Sergeant Tigner said. With no mouth shield available, Sergeant Tigner used a T-shirt to wipe away the blood and started to administer rescue breaths.

"We went through two full cycles and were beginning the next when he took a breath like it was the first breath of his life," Sergeant Hicks said.

"That breath was pure relief for me," Sergeant Tigner said.

Both men credit the AED and their Air Force training for saving the young Airman's life.

"He wouldn't have made it without it," Sergeant Tigner said. "Your training kicks in and you forget where you are. You just focus on the situation in front of you."

Sergeant Hicks agreed. "My Air Force training played a major role. I would have to say 100 percent. Why you get the training, understanding the training and being able to administer the training is very important. And not to take it for granted; that it's another class to get out of the way."

The impact of the MTLs quick and confident actions were also noted by some of the other Airmen-in-Training.

Airman 1st Class Julian Siapno, an Airman-in-Training assigned to the 360th TRS was present during the incident.

"After seeing that, I was actually proud to be a part of the 360th," Airman Siapno said. "It was a great feeling knowing the MTLs are there and they know how to save your life if needed."

When training manifests itself into instincts, not one moment is wasted and the success of the outcome is increased.

"These men saved this Airman's life," said Col. James King, 82nd Medical Group commander.

Colonel King said the Airman-in-Training attending the heavy aircraft avionics course, is currently at Wilford Hall, Lackland AFB, Texas.