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Selfless Airman aids vehicle accident victim

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  An Air Force weather forecaster assigned to the 28th Operational Weather Squadron here, weathered a storm as it unfolded in front of him in the form of a vehicle accident Jan. 29.

It starts at basic training and reoccurs several times throughout an Airman's career. It's something the Air Force ensures every Airman is equipped with because it could save a life.

CPR and self aid and buddy care training are among the most important training components which all Airmen receive to render initial aid to those injured on and off the battlefield.

This statement rang true for Senior Airman Patrick Williams, 28th OWS weather forecaster, as he was headed east bound on Garners Ferry Road/378 near U.S. Highway 601 on his way to work. It was here that Williams witnessed a tractor trailer hauling metal piping overturn right before his eyes.

The Jacksonville, Fla., native who has served as a weather forecaster for more than two years recalled the eye of the storm.

"A tractor trailer ran off the road, and the driver overcorrected while trying to compensate for it," Williams said. "The truck ended up tipping over, sliding and rolling onto its roof. The truck's cargo, which was metal piping, spilled out into the road and the truck came to a stop."

Albeit instinct or his subconscious guiding his actions, Williams quickly pulled over to help the truck driver.

"The accident occurred right in front of me, and looked pretty bad, so I knew I had to stop to help," explained Williams. "It was a mother of two and myself who were first on the scene. She called 911, while I went to check on the truck driver."

As Williams approached the wreckage, he wasn't sure what to expect or what kind of condition the truck driver might be in.

"When I got to the driver, I first tried talking to him and did not get a response," Williams said. "He was buried underneath several of his personal items that had shifted during the accident, so I began pulling these items out of the cabin."

After removing the objects off of the driver and assessing the situation, Williams, without hesitation, began using simple techniques he had learned during SABC training.

"I ensured he was breathing, and noticed he had minor cuts," Williams continued. "The truck was still running, and it began leaking unknown fluids."

As fluids continued leaking from the truck, Williams knew he had to get the driver out in case a fire or explosion were to happen. Luckily, by that time two other people had stopped to lend aid.

"The truck driver began responding to questions I was asking, and when asked if he could move, he was unsure," said Williams. "At this point I began asking if he could feel pressure while I grabbed his arms, legs, feet and fingers as I tried to ensure he wasn't paralyzed in anyway."

"The two other gentleman and I began to pull him out, to get him away from the truck in case a fire or explosion happened," continued the 28th OWS Airman. "At this time, a Richland County Sherriff showed up and took over from there."

As the officer began to help Williams and the other first responders, members from a local fire department and the S.C. Highway Patrol arrived on scene.

The truck driver was later transported to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries sustained during the accident, Williams said.

By reacting swiftly and being first on the scene to render aid, Williams may have saved the truck driver's life.

Those who are first on scene are crucial to sustaining an injured victim and can even be the factor that saves his or her life, explained Airman 1st Class Patricia Ibanez, 20th Medical Support Squadron health service management technician.

Actions such as calling 911 and rendering aid are some of the most important aspects of helping the wounded, continued Ibanez.

"I am unsurprised by Senior Airman William's quick thinking, his selflessness and his willingness to do what is necessary, regardless of how difficult it may be," said 2nd Lt. Mitchell Westlund, 28 OWS.

Westlund who works with Williams, attested to William's forward thinking mind set and selfless attitude.

"Williams is a conscientious and well-balanced Airman," Westlund explained. "His
greatest concern was for the driver of the truck and for the time his coworkers had to take up in his absence while he was dealing with the aftermath of the accident."

Having Air Force SABC training greatly enhanced the senior airman's actions as he was thrust into an unpredictable situation calling for him to act fast and provide initial first aid without hesitation, Williams said.

"I believe the SABC training and other medical aid training I've had since being in the Air Force helped when I was faced with this situation," Williams added. "The whole incident happened pretty fast. I didn't really think about what I was doing; it was like muscle memory."

While Williams everyday job doesn't call for him to deal with situations such as the one he was faced with, his actions during that event are a true testament to his character and his beliefs in the Air Force core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, said Westlund.