Quick actions save Airman's life

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome Baysmore
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) --  "I really don't recall what happened," the 19-year-old Airman said. "One moment, I was playing dodgeball and the next thing I knew was I was (in the medical clinic) and they were sticking needles and things in me."

Airman 1st Class James Garrett, a 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection journeyman, collapsed during a dodgeball game Feb. 25 at Manas Air Base.

Airman Garrett, deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., is part of the 376th ECES firefighter's dodgeball team, which was facing off against the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Staff team Feb. 25 when he went down. Players from both teams pulled together to assist him once they realized what had happened.

"He fell over, and we didn't think it was anything serious at first," said Airman 1st Class Daniel Hogan, a 376th ECES fire protection journeyman and teammate. "He just spiraled downhill from there. I'm just thankful everybody was there."

The emergency-medical-technician qualified firefighters provided first-responder care and then assisted medics administer emergency care for Airman Garrett.

It was a concerted effort, said Lt. Col. Ann Hoyniak-Becker of the 376th EMDG. "When I arrived on scene, the firefighters were performing basic life support and the automated external defibrillator was used within five minutes. This maximized his chances of survival."

Airman Garrett was placed on an aeromedical evacuation flight Feb. 26. He'll be further evaluated at Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center near Ramstein AB, Germany. 

"(Airman Garrett) exhibited signs of sudden cardiac arrest. Starting basic life support and the quick use of the automated external defibrillator to get his cardiac rhythm normalized saved his life," said Col. Dan Hansen, the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group commander. "I've taken care of a few of these in my time and often this is not the outcome because of delays in BLS or AED use."

"It was great teamwork," he said. "It was people who knew what to do and the right equipment on hand saved a life."

"I'd just like to thank the staff and everyone who helped me," Airman Garrett said.

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