Sheppard first-aid training saves a life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  First-aid and automated external defibrillator trainings proved their value at the base Repair Cycle Management Office Sept. 22 when they saved an employee's life. 

"She wouldn't have made it if we hadn't been able to react so quickly," said Valina Rolen, a former CPR trainer for the 80th Flying Training Wing. 

When Mrs. Rolen arrived she said she saw her co-worker face down at her desk. 

"'She's unconscious,' I thought and my next question was 'is she breathing?'" she said. "No one had a chance to call 911 or the AED responders before she stopped breathing." 

She said at that point all she could think about was that she wanted her co-worker to be okay, so she began to perform CPR for two or three rounds. However, the victim's pulse was falling. Lori Stewart, an AED trainer for the 80th FTW, rushed to the scene to administer the AED. 

"I shocked her and administered more CPR with [Mrs. Rolen] until she started breathing again. Then her pulse started to get stronger and stronger," Ms. Stewart said. 

Although Mrs. Rolen and Ms. Stewart saved their co-worker's life, they said they feel that they aren't the heroes in this situation. 

Mrs. Stewart said that if any of the other trained employees had been around they would've done the same thing. 

"We just can't pass on how important first-aid training is," said Ms. Stewart. "I think that is what really helped save a life."