All in a day's work: Airmen respond to emergencies

  • Published
  • By Senor Airman Amber Ashcraft
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Not many people can say they witnessed two emergencies within a day, let alone five hours; but one Barksdale Airman can.

On July 25, Staff Sgt. Johnnie Powell, 2d Force Support Squadron fitness specialist, responded to two emergencies within hours of each other.

"I was working the front counter of the Fitness Center when around 1p.m., a customer reported that there was a man collapsed in the men's locker room, " said Sergeant Powell. "I found Benny Pitts lying on the floor breathing in an irregular pattern and immediately called 911 from my cell phone."

As Sergeant Powell was corresponding with the emergency operator, Staff Sgt. Angela Kimbrough, 2d FSS fitness specialist, joined him and proceeded to connect the Automated External Defibrillator, a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses a potentially life threatening cardiac rhythm and delivers shocks to the heart, to the victim.

"During this time, Mr. Pitts began foaming at the mouth and had stopped breathing," Sergeant Powell said. "I continued to talk to the operator with my hands free device and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation."

As Sergeant Powell stressed to the operator that an emergency team was needed, the victim began breathing again, though weakly, and the AED ran a check and advised to shock. Sergeant Kimbrough made sure the area was clear then proceeded to shock the victim. His breathing resumed for only a moment before Sergeant Powell started performing CPR again and his breathing resumed.

"Sergeant Kimbrough went to the front to guide the emergency team back, as I remained with the victim to keep him responsive through conversation and physical contact," Sergeant Powell said.

He continued following the directions of the AED with shock and CPR as Mr. Pitts' breathing continued to start and stop.

When a base emergency member arrived and took over the scene, the electrocardiogram, a test that checks for problems of the heart, showed that the victim was suffering from heart complications.

Sergeant Powell assisted with administrating the intravenous therapy, while waiting for EMT arrive. The victim was stabilized and was transferred to an off base facility.

"After the scene was settled, I went back to work, not knowing what the rest of my day was going to bring," Sergeant Powell said.

Later that evening around 5:30 p.m., Sergeant Powell's assistance was again requested; this time to an overturned vehicle behind the base Shoppette. Though others were gathered and 911 had been called, Sergeant Powell began to assess the scene. He checked on the driver of the vehicle, who had already been pulled to safety, ensured no one else was in the accident and made sure no hazardous fluids were leaking.

"All I could think about was that I needed to do whatever necessary to make sure no lives were lost," Sergeant Powell said.

Sergeant Powell cleared spectators from the scene to ensure emergency responders were able to perform their duties effectively. He remained with the victim until the emergency team arrived and took over the scene. Sergeant Powell then returned to his own duties.

Having been in the Air Force for 10 years, Sergeant Powell was able to use his training to effectively perform CPR and combat life saving skills. As the first responder, his initial care for Mr. Pitts helped save his life.

"I advise other Airmen to not take any training lightly," Sergeant Powell said. "You never know when you may use it to save the life of someone around you."

Even with a wrist injury, Sergeant Kimbrough was able to help aid in the use of the AED during the crucial response of the emergency situation.

"I was able to stay calm and quickly recalled our emergency training," said Sergeant Kimbrough.

"I am extremely proud to serve with Sergeant's Powell and Kimbrough," said Col. Scott Hoover, 2d Mission Support Group commander. "When I see calm-under-fire leadership of this caliber, it makes my heart swell with pride and reminds me of the amazing acts our Airmen perform every day. Now everyone gets to know something the 2d Force Support Squadron leadership already knew- that these two non-commissioned officers are heroes!"