Ellsworth Airman performs life-saving action

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alystria Maurer
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  He had just left work and driven out the base's Bismark Gate when an emergency situation led to a dramatic change in his plans for the evening of June 11.

Staff Sgt. Cody Wyatt, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron flight service center supervisor, was traveling along Interstate 90 on his way to register his all-terrain vehicle when he witnessed an accident unfold.

"I was following a car with four passengers in it, and saw a tanker truck spraying weeds in the center median," Wyatt recounted. "The car in front of me was unable to get over to move around the tanker and smashed into its rear."

Wyatt immediately pulled over to help.

"As an Airman, I felt responsible to use my training to help someone in need," Wyatt said.

As he ran to the scene, Wyatt noticed a woman sitting on the side of the freeway whose leg appeared to be bleeding profusely.

"I ran to my car to grab an old OCP (Operation Enduring Freedom camouflage pattern) top to wrap her leg with and I applied pressure," Wyatt said. "We've been training a lot for exercises and all the self aid and buddy care training was fresh in my mind."

Airmen have an annual requirement to receive computer-based and hands-on training for SABC to ensure they know all the basic life saving procedures.

Wyatt said the woman appeared to lose consciousness, but he continued to apply pressure to her wounds and treat her for shock for roughly 10 minutes until emergency personnel arrived at the scene.

"I was so relieved when the emergency personnel got there," Wyatt said. "I was just hoping they could take over for me and make sure everyone was alright."

Emergency personnel then transported the accident victims to the local hospital including the woman and one other man, as Wyatt provided an eye witness account of the incident to personnel from the South Dakota State Highway Patrol for their accident investigation report.

In addition to the yearly training requirement, Airmen must also undergo an SABC class prior to any deployments - preparing them to face possible real-world scenarios that could require them to intervene and perform life-saving care.