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62nd Aerial Port Squadron Airmen save life at base passenger terminal

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  62nd Aerial Port Squadron Airmen responded to a medical emergency at the McChord passenger terminal Feb. 22, utilizing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and Self Aid and Buddy Care training to save the life of a Reservist with the 36th APS.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan DeVera, Airmen 1st Class Geoffrey Young and Christopher Perez, all 62nd APS passenger terminal representatives, worked together as initial responders when Tech. Sgt. Mike Lienard felt ill and stopped breathing.

"I was working at the counter and heard something was wrong," said Airman Perez. "I got up, and Airman Young was already helping Sergeant Lienard, who looked very pale and sick."

Sergeant DeVera said that after Sergeant Lienard was brought into a back office, he crumpled into the arms of Airman Young. At this point, both Airmen applied immediate Self Aid and Buddy Care, or SABC.

"I knelt down ... he wasn't breathing and was losing color quickly," said Airman Perez. "We loosened his top clothing and Airman Young began to administer chest pumps. Neither of us could find a pulse."

Sergeant DeVera was already on the phone with a 9-1-1 dispatcher, channeling information and describing what was taking place.

The sergeant said he was extremely proud of the Airmen. "Without them, I wasn't sure [Sergeant Lienard] was going to make it. They're really the heroes."

When complications ensued, Airman Perez acted quickly to clear Sergeant Lienard's airways.

"It was crucial," said Sergeant DeVera, "he showed absolutely no hesitation."

After clearing Sergeant Lienard's airways, Airman Perez said a light pulse was detected.

"We kept talking to him, trying to get a response. He was still blue and had dilated pupils, but he was starting to breathe a little better," Airman Perez said. "We were going to do whatever possible to keep him stable until paramedics could arrive."

It seemed like it took forever, but it really wasn't that long (from initial response to ambulances arriving)," he said.

After talking with the dispatcher, Sergeant DeVera said it was about 12 minutes until paramedics arrived and took over. At that point, Sergeant Lienard was blinking and showing other responsive signs.

"Afterwards, we heard that there was chaos going on all around, but it seemed as if we were inside a bubble," said Sergeant DeVera.

It was a perfect example of teamwork, the sergeant said. "The three of us knew we were the initial responders. We work together really well even without emergencies, so we knew what to do and what to expect from each other."

"Believing in each other, having that trust and confidence was necessary," added Airman Perez.

Another key element was the SABC and CPR training the Airmen received from the squadron's training section. Within the squadron, the leadership handpicks each of its instructors to train their personnel. Because all Airman assigned to the squadron are in an Air Expeditionary Force cycle, it is critical the squadron has the right instructors to train the Airman to ensure they come home safe from a deployment.

One of the squadron's key instructors is Shawn Alexander, who teaches both SABC and CPR classes.  Mr. Alexander believes the skills taught in both courses complement each other.

"Most Airmen in the squadron have deployed multiple times and are well-versed in the basics," he said.  The additional CPR training is not mandatory, but can be invaluable in situations like this.

"We talked about this in class last week -- these were young Airmen who weren't nervous, but stepped in and acted without hesitation," said Mr. Alexander. "When people in class think they can't do it, we have three Airmen who just saved someone's life.

"I am really grateful for the assistance of Sergeant DeVera, and Airmen Young and Perez," said Sergeant Lienard, who was on military orders the day he fell ill. "Their quick reaction probably saved my life. Their response was a testament to Air Force Self Aid and Buddy Care training.  I'm a living example that paying attention in SABC class can prepare you to react effectively in a crisis."

Sergeant Lienard, a Reservist at McChord, has returned to work, and is doing well.