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380AEW Article

380th AEW Airmen recognized for saving wingman's life

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Several Airmen assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing received accolades March 15 for their roles in saving the life of a fellow Airman.

Among those the wing commander, Brig. Gen. Jeff Lofgren, honored, five received medals for their actions that day.

The general presented Air Force Achievement Medals to:

- Tech. Sgt. Brian Donnelly, 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron
- Tech. Sgt. Enoch Williams, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron
- Staff Sgt. Donald Travers, 380th ECES
- Senior Airman Sarah Patrick, 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron
- Airman 1st Class Nathan Silk, 380th ECES

On Dec. 27, 2011, Patrick and another Airman were out jogging. The Airman suddenly collapsed and was unresponsive. Patrick immediately ran for help.

She said she knew what to do because of the training she received before she deployed.

"All that training prior--training on quick response, CPR training, self-aid and buddy care training--I'm pretty sure that helped my immediate and natural response. I'm definitely sure," Patrick said. "It saved his life."

The medal recipients were among the first responders to help save the Airman's life. Through a combination of CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator and self-aid and buddy care techniques, they were able to stabilize the Airman long enough to be transported to a medical facility.

"I was a paramedic in Oakland, (Calif.) before I joined the Air Force, so if you name it, I've probably seen it," Donnelly said. "This was a team effort to work to bring him back. But, in addition to everyone's effort, the big hero here was the AED. If people don't know how to use one, they should absolutely learn how. It saved a life that day."

In addition to the five honorees, the general coined several other Airmen who offered aid during the incident.

Because of their efforts, the Airman was able to be transported back to the U.S. as he continues his recovery.

Chief Master Sgt. Pete Stone, the 380th AEW command chief master sergeant, lauded the Airmen, saying "the most significant factor was teamwork."

"(The Airman) was inches from his life and within minutes you all reacted and responded," the chief said to the crowd of more than a thousand. "They acted with confidence and determination with one purpose in mind: to save a fellow warrior. They truly displayed what it means to be a wingman."