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Dover Airman presented Heartsaver Hero Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Every time an Airman puts on his or her uniform and heads to work, they are considered a hero. But one Team Dover Airman became a hero while he was on leave.

While processing through an airport security checkpoint, Senior Airmen Bryan MacLean, 436th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, provided life-saving medical attention, CPR and automatic external defibrillator, July 29, 2015, at the Philadelphia International Airport.

"I was trying to put my shoes back on when I heard someone yell," said MacLean. "They were looking for someone who knew CPR; so I said that I did."

George Senkler, who was also processing through security, suffered a heart attack and collapsed. MacLean jumped into action, first assisting two TSA agents with CPR. When that failed to resuscitate Mr. Senkler, MacLean ran for an automatic external defibrillator and put it to work.

"I jumped in and ripped his shirt off," MacLean said. "I put the pads on and followed the instructions. The AED said there was no pulse and recommended a shock. So I shocked him and that brought him back."

These actions saved Senkler's life.

MacLean, a native of Cincinnati, has been stationed at Dover AFB for the past two years. He was on his way to board a plane to Minnesota to attend a friend's wedding when the events transpired. Mr. Senkler, 69, was also heading towards the same plane to Minnesota, but to visit his grandchildren.

MacLean and two TSA agents were presented with the American Heart Association's Heartsaver Hero award to recognize their courageous lifesaving efforts. Both MacLean and Senkler were invited back to the airport for a e ceremony that took place on Sept. 4, 2015.

"I just wanted to help out," MacLean said.