WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii (Oct. 18, 2013) -- Quick action by a pair of Wheeler Federal Fire Department professionals has been recognized for heroic work that saved a man's life.
Firefighter/paramedics Anthony Young and Jonathan Rodriguez were awarded the Federal Fire Life Saving Award by Col. Daniel Whitney, commander, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, as a result of their actions, Aug. 12.
The pair happened upon an unresponsive man in a minor traffic accident, while returning to quarters from an ambulance transport in downtown Wahiawa, in August.
The 51-year old man was locked in his car, with the engine running, doors locked and gearshift engaged.
"It was pretty obvious he was not doing well," said Rodriguez, a five-year veteran of the force.
Rodriguez and Young immediately recognized the situation and went into action. They donned their professional gear from their Medic 14 (M-14) advance life support transport ambulance and forced their way into the unconscious man's vehicle. They gained access by breaking the driver's side rear window.
After quickly extricating the patient, they administered advanced cardio life support measures with the M-14. Moments later, on-scene support arrived from Engine 114 and Wheeler Federal Fire.
The man, who had contacted relatives and was enroute to Wahiawa General Hospital when he went into cardiac arrest earlier, had driven his car to the highway curb before he was successfully resuscitated and delivered to the awaiting hospital.
Wheeler Federal Fire officials estimate the accident, car access, resuscitation and hospital delivery all occurred within less than 20 minutes.
"Time was critical," said Lt. John Makua, Wheeler Fire Station, Federal Fire Department. "Everyone did their part."
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