62nd port Airmen save Reservist Published March 20, 2009 By Tyler Hemstreet 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The life of a Reservist with the 36th Aerial Port Squadron was saved when 62nd APS Airmen responded to a medical emergency at the McChord passenger terminal Feb. 22, using cardiopulmonary resuscitation and self aid and buddy care training. Staff Sgt. Jonathan DeVera, Airmen 1st Class Geoffrey Young and Christopher Perez, all 62nd APS passenger terminal representatives, worked together as initial responders when Tech. Sgt. Mike Lienard felt ill and stopped breathing. "I was working at the counter and heard something was wrong," said Airman Perez. "I got up, and Airman Young was already helping Sergeant Lienard, who looked very pale and sick." Sergeant DeVera said that after Sergeant Lienard was brought into a back office, he crumpled into the arms of Airman Young. At this point both Airmen applied immediate SABC. "I knelt down ... he wasn't breathing and was losing color quickly," said Airman Perez. "We loosened his top clothing and Airman Young began to administer chest pumps. Neither of us could find a pulse." Sergeant DeVera was already on the phone with a 9-1-1 dispatcher, channeling information and describing what was taking place. The sergeant said he was extremely proud of the Airmen. "Without them, I wasn't sure he (Sergeant Lienard) was going to make it. They're really the heroes." When complications ensued, Airman Perez acted quickly to clear Sergeant Lienard's airways. "It was crucial," said Sergeant DeVera, "he showed absolutely no hesitation." After clearing Sergeant Lienard's airways, Airman Perez said a light pulse was detected. "We kept talking to him, trying to get a response. He was still blue and had dilated pupils, but he was starting to breathe a little better," Airman Perez said. "We were going to do whatever possible to keep him stable until paramedics could arrive." "I am really grateful for the assistance of Sergeant DeVera, and Airmen Young and Perez," said Sergeant Lienard, who was on military orders the day he fell ill. "Their quick reaction probably saved my life. Their response was a testament to Air Force self aid and buddy care training. I'm a living example that paying attention in S-A-B-C class can prepare you to react effectively in a crisis." Sergeant Lienard, a longtime member of the 446th Airlift Wing, is back at work, on light duty, and is doing well.