Airmen respond to medical emergency

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  An elderly gentleman recently found himself in good hands after he collapsed in his car within view of the base.

Master Sgt. Steven Cournoyer, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, was driving to work when he came upon a stopped car. He noticed the local police pulling over, so he followed suit and volunteered his help.

"I went over, and we both checked to see what was going on and whether or not the individual had any identification. As we were doing that, the officer noticed the man had stopped breathing."

After carrying the gentleman from his vehicle and laying him down, the officer called for help while Sergeant Cournoyer began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. As he was doing this, more help arrived.

Airman 1st Class Sigfred Dahl, also from RAF Lakenheath, and Master Sgt. Ani Stubbs of the 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron (SOSS) joined in, immediately offering their assistance.

"I was driving down the road and looked over and saw someone lying on the ground," said Sergeant Stubbs. "I pulled over, and there was a constable trying to open his airway and a military member doing compressions."

After several minutes of conducting CPR, Sergeant Cournoyer grew tired and was relieved when a team of military medical members arrived on scene and "tagged" him out.

Lt. Col. (Dr.) David Luther, Maj. (Dr.) Sanjay Gogate, Capt. (Dr.) Douglas Villard, and Independent Medical Technician Tech. Sgt. James Wilson, all from the 352nd SOSS, received a call notifying them that an individual requiring medical attention was within a stone's throw of their office.

"It was both amazing and comforting to see the 352nd SOSS medical professionals spring into action to try and save that man's life," said Maj. Geoffrey Larkin, 352nd SOSS, and the person who notified them of the emergency. "It is second nature for an Air Commando to drop everything and rush to the aid of someone in need. Sergeant Wilson never stopped performing CPR for a second, while the others did everything in their power to revive him."

A few minutes later an ambulance arrived.

"We loaded him onto the gurney and put him in the ambulance," said Sergeant Wilson. "We got in with him and travelled to a local hospital. A patient in that condition requires a lot of attention as far as giving the medications, watching the airway, and still doing CPR."

Having done all they could, they handed the gentleman over to the local medical team upon arrival at the hospital.

Our military members worked as a team and provided critical care to someone in need. In the words of Sergeant Stubbs, "I'm just glad to know if anything ever happens to me, these medics know exactly what to do!"

This event clearly demonstrates that Self Aid and Buddy Care skills are not only used in a combat zone or during exercises. Each of us must be prepared to render potentially life-saving care any time, any place.