Lieutenant shows determination, quick-thinking during crisis

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Corbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Fifteen minutes into their instrument training class, the pilots-in-training watched as their instructor buckled and began to fall when he was overcome by a medical problem. Luckily for the instructor, the student closest to him didn't hesitate and jumped up from his seat - catching him before he even hit the ground.

After lowering his instructor to the ground, 2nd Lt. Christopher Perry, Class 10-04 Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training student, performed life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation on David McIntosh, an instructor with Lier Siegler Service's Inc., when he fell during class March 9. A few minutes after the lieutenant began CPR; another LSI instructor arrived and began assisting him.

"He wiped his forehead and mumbled something before buckling," Lieutenant Perry said. "I pretty much knew there was something wrong. I don't know what was going through my mind when it happened; I just got up and caught him."

Lieutenant Perry, who was a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Westbury, New York, said when he went through training there and in self-aid buddy care, he never really thought he'd use it.

"Lieutenant Perry's actions showed determination, quick-thinking and calmness under pressure," said Col. Roger Watkins, 14th Flying Training Wing commander. "His actions helped save the life of a fellow BLAZE Team member. I know all our BLAZE Team Airmen would do the same thing in similar circumstances. It was truly outstanding!"

Officials said the instructor's cardiologist informed them had the CPR not been started by the lieutenant and then continued by medical officials upon arrival, he would not be alive today. 

After the lieutenant initiated life saving CPR, Columbus AFB Fire Emergency Services Emergency Medical Technicians arrived on scene to take over CPR actions, deliver two AED shocks and initiate airway management with oropharyngeal device to start oxygen therapy until Baptist Memorial hospital arrived on-scene.

At a commander's call March 17, Colonel Watkins thanked not only Lieutenant Perry for his quick, decisive actions, but all of the other individuals involved in the life-saving incident. These people included Lt. Col. (Dr.) Glen Nagasawa, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Michael Rappa, Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Baty, John Lewis, John Gentile, Richard Ward, Airman 1st Class David Patrick, Airman 1st Class Charles Miller and Ed Hayden.

Base emergency response officials added there are a few things base personnel should know in case of an emergency. 

"If a person suddenly collapses you must call 911 as soon as possible to get advanced medical care on scene," said Senior Master Sgt. Russell Eidenschink, Emergency Services Flight deputy chief. 

There are two areas of interest Columbus AFB residents must understand to ensure the quickest response from CAFB Fire Emergency Services. 

First, when utilizing your cell phone to call 911 you will automatically be received by Lowndes County Emergency Dispatch Center. When the operator is on-line request you be transferred to "Columbus Air Force Base." This gives our Emergency Communications Center not only the ability to dispatch response vehicles immediately, but also gives our ECC the opportunity to triangulate your cell phone location and for you to talk to a dispatcher who is familiar with bldg numbers and names that are specific to the base. 

Secondly, when utilizing a base telephone your 911 call will automatically be received by Columbus Air Force Base ECC dispatchers. Base telephones are tied into our Monaco system to give us the building number and exact room number of where you are calling from. 

Base residents must also know if their building has an assigned Automated External Defibrillator and where it is located. Buildings on base that have assigned AEDs include the base exchange/commissary, the main gym, the Columbus Club, Kaye Auditorium, the clinic's immunization section, the clinics second floor and the dental clinic.

AEDs are designed to be used by any layperson, but if you or your section would like to build confidence in its use or to build confidence in CPR contact the base Fire Department, 434-2262, and they will be able to set up training.