Quick thinking team uses AED to save man’s life Published April 3, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- March 19 began just like any other day at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center. By 10:40 a.m. the fitness center was alive with people getting in a mid-morning workout. Then, in their midst, a single life stopped for two minutes. What could have been a tragedy ended with a life-saving effort. The Gerrity team, led by four staffers, saved a man suffering from cardiac arrest. Using an automated external defibrillator, which shocks the heart and attempts to correct an irregular heartbeat, in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, they brought the retired Air Force member back to life. "Their diligent work to save a life says a lot about their character," said Chief Master Sgt. Roddy Hartsook, 72nd Mission Support Group superintendent, who coined the leading four personnel for their actions. "In many cases our job is about taking care of each other and these guys were not only there to take care of another in need, but they did it in a way that speaks volumes." On that Thursday, roughly 50 to 75 patrons used the weight room and gymnasiums. Among them was a 56-year-old retiree, who reportedly lifted weights and used the steam sauna. There was also Senior Airman Mario Mathews, of the 507th Air Refueling Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron assigned to Gerrity. He was on his way to the large gym to play basketball. On his way, Airman Mathews said he saw the retiree, collapsed, unconscious and not breathing, in the corridor between the men's locker room entrance and the large gymnasium. Airman Mathews told another staffer to immediately call 911. 72nd Force Support Squadron Fitness Specialists Brian Armstrong retrieved the AED, while Tracey Walker cut open the man's shirt. Ira Anderson, 72nd FSS fitness coordinator, attached the AED's pads to the victim's chest. "With the adrenaline [pumping], it felt like it wasn't real," Airman Mathews said. "I'm just thankful that my buddies were there at the right time and I had their help." The AED sent a single shock into the man's chest. After the shock, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Walker performed two-and-a-half cycles of CPR. While CPR was performed, Corie Wells, Gerrity Fitness Center director, said other staffers and patrons coached the four men, while additional personnel helped control the crowds and spoke with 911 operators after Airman Mathews' initial call. "Then he regained consciousness, his eyes opened back up and his pulse came back," Mr. Anderson said. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Anderson said paramedics arrived and provided their patient with oxygen. The man, who had since regained conscious, hadn't realized the severity of what happened or that he was involved. Mr. Armstrong said after the man was awake, he asked if he needed to get out of the way. The retiree is reportedly recovering at Midwest Regional Hospital. Officials said this incident was the first time in several years that an AED was used at Gerrity. There are two AEDs at Gerrity. One is in a case that's secured to the wall in the weight room near the pull-up bar, and the other, which was used to save the man's life, is kept in a portable case and stored in a black box in Ms. Wells' office. Gerrity personnel are trained to use the machines. Despite their inexperience in life-saving situations, it can be said the four personnel who led the recovery effort handled the situation like professionals. "Ira was cool, calm and collected," Ms. Wells said. Mr. Anderson attributed the same qualities to his peers. "They were pretty solid too," he said. For their achievements, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Armstrong, Airman Mathews and Mr. Walker also received coins from Col. James Eilers, 72nd Mission Support Group commander, and Daniel Bell, 72nd Force Support Squadron director. "All four of these men showed great character and deserve our utmost appreciation," Chief Hartsook said.