During a dodge ball game on February 25, 2008, at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, a 19-year-old 376^th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection journeyman suddenly collapsed due to cardiac arrest. Airman Garrett is part of the 376^th Air Expeditionary Wing Staff team February 25, when he collapsed.  Players from both teams pulled together to assist him once they realized what had happened. 

“I really don’t recall what happened.  One moment, I was playing dodge ball and the next thing I knew was I was in the medical clinic and they were sticking needles and things in me,”

Airman Garrett said. 

He fell over and we didn’t think it was anything serious at first.  He just spiraled downhill from there.  I’m just thankful everybody was there,” said Airman 1^st Class Daniel Hogan, a 376^th ECES fire protection journeyman and teammate. The emergency-medical-technician qualified firefighters administered first-aid and helped in assisting medics administer emergency care for Airman Garrett.  The firefighters performed basic life support and the automated external defibrillator was used within five minutes.  Thus, it maximized his chances of survival. 

“Airman Garrett exhibited signs of cardiac arrest.  Starting basic life support and the quick use of the automated external defibrillator to get his cardiac rhythm normalized saved his life,” said Col. Dan Hansen, the 376^th Expeditionary Medical Group commander. Hansen said, “I’ve taken care of a few of these in my time and often this is not the outcome because of delays in BLS or AED use.”  Hansen denoted,

“It was great teamwork.  It was people who knew what to do and the right equipment on hand saved a life.”

Knowing how to administer first-aid and basic life support is essential especially in emergency situations.  It’s a virtue when a man saves another man’s life.