News

Aerial Porters lend helping hands to injured local citizen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Some quick thinking and basic first aid training by two 446th Airlift Wing Reservists helped a man suffering from an apparent seizure and head wound in Lakewood, Wash., June 2.

Senior Airman Andrew Moser and Airman Micah Myers, aerial transportation specialists from the 36th Aerial Port Squadron here, said they were driving along Bridgeport Way after a hard-day's work when they saw a man walking then collapse nearby.

"As we were driving through Lakewood, we saw a man walking past a coffee stand and he just stopped and appeared to be seizing," said Moser. "He fell to the ground and we turned our car around so we could render first aid."

Myers said, at first, he wasn't sure what was wrong with the man.

"Moser said the man looked like he had a seizure so I pulled alongside while Moser jumped out," said Myers, who hails from Gig Harbor, Wash.

Jumping into action, Moser said he asked a bystander if 911 had been called.

"We tried our best to stabilize the man by using the ABC's (Airway, Breathing and Circulation) of first aid," said Moser. "I checked his breathing, his pulse and I checked his pupils. I stabilized his head because he had a head injury from the fall and Airman Myers stayed by his feet to be sure the victim was stable."

"We stayed with him and kept talking with him when he gained consciousness, assuring him help was on the way until the paramedics arrived," said Moser, who is also a Seattle-based Allied Barton security officer in his civilian job.

Relying on first aid training gained years ago on the ski patrol, Moser said he's always loved helping people.

"It was very rewarding being able to help someone."

I feel like we did what needed to be done," said Myers. "We're serving our country and this is the best way to do it - even off duty."