Airman’s actions come to light after a recent accident

  • Published
  • By Holly J. Logan
  • Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  Staff Sgt. John Wright had just come off a night shift here when his quick-thinking and immediate response to an accident made him a hero in some people’s eyes.

Sergeant Wright, an avionics specialist with the 116th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was driving home when he came across a car accident that left 28-year-old Christy Sloat, pregnant mother of two, in a life-threatening condition -- her arm had been severed.

“I was coming home from work ... like I usually do every morning, and I noticed her truck was across two lanes of traffic,” he said. “I parked the car to check out the situation and found her sitting on the ground rocking back and forth.”

While 1st Lt. Sandy Smock, an intelligence officer with the 330th Combat Training Squadron, worked to keep Mrs. Sloat calm, Sergeant Wright searched the stretch of highway for the injured woman’s severed arm.

“When I came upon her, I noticed her arm was missing,” he said. “All my training in self-aid and buddy care flashed before me, and I took off my uniform belt and made a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.”

Once the sergeant applied the makeshift tourniquet, he went to a nearby trailer for ice and a bag to protect the arm until emergency crews arrived.

“I had to stay calm,” he said. “If you panic, nothing gets done. I was there to help. If I see someone broken down or hurt, I stop. I would hope someone would do the same for me.”

While Sergeant Wright saw his actions as ordinary, others viewed them as extraordinary.

“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to thank him,” Mrs. Sloat said. “It was a good gesture for him to take time to help me in a situation that would’ve grossed some people out. That says a lot about his character.”

Mrs. Sloat underwent emergency surgery for her injuries, but doctors were unable successfully reattach her arm. She recently had surgery to reshape her damaged limb and close the wound. She is currently recovering while waiting to be fitted for a prosthetic.